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Depressive symptoms amongst people with podoconiosis and lower limb lymphoedema of other cause in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

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posted on 2023-06-12, 09:10 authored by Maya SemrauMaya Semrau, Gail DaveyGail Davey, Amuam Andrew Beng, Winston Patrick Chouna Ndongmo, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Samuel Wanji, Kebede Kassaye
Evidence is emerging that shows elevated mental distress and disorder amongst people with several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This study aimed to establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst people with podoconiosis and lower limb lymphoedema of other cause in Cameroon. The study was part of a larger research piece that mapped the geographical distribution of podoconiosis in Cameroon. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; mean) was employed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst people with lower limb lymphoedema. Linear regression was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics of participants and depressive symptoms. Internal consistency of the PHQ-9 was estimated through Cronbach’s alpha (a = 0.651). The mean PHQ-9 score among people with lower limb lymphoedema was 3.48 (SD ± 3.25). Using a PHQ-9 score of 5 or above as the cut-off score, 32 participants (38.6%) displayed at least mild depressive symptoms. Unemployment was the only factor that was significantly associated with more depressive symptoms overall. This study shows that depressive symptoms are common amongst people with lower limb lymphoedema in Cameroon. The findings provide support for the integration of psychosocial interventions into packages of care for the management of lower limb lymphoedema.

Funding

The Global Atlas of Podoconiosis; G1974; WELLCOME TRUST; 201900/Z/16/Z

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease

ISSN

2414-6366

Publisher

MDPI

Issue

3

Volume

4

Page range

1-8

Article number

a102

Department affiliated with

  • Global Health and Infection Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Wellcome Trust Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-07-23

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-07-23

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-07-22

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