Ali, Oumer, Deribe, Kebede, Semrau, Maya, Mengiste, Asrat, Kinfe, Mersha, Tesfaye, Abraham, Bremner, Stephen, Davey, Gail and Fekadu, Abebaw (2020) A cross-sectional study to evaluate depression and quality of life among patients with lymphoedema due to podoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 114 (12). pp. 983-994. ISSN 0035-9203

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Abstract

Background
Podoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that cause lymphoedema. When left untreated, they lead to substantial disability. This study determined the quality of life (QOL) and depression associated with lymphoedema in patients with podoconiosis, LF and leprosy. The study was conducted in northwestern Ethiopia.

Methods
This baseline cross-sectional study, nested within an interventional, non-comparative, longitudinal study, included patients with lymphoedema. Depression and QOL were assessed using versions of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively, that had been translated into Amharic and validated. Factors associated with depression and QOL were assessed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results
Of the 251 patients with lymphoedema included in the study, 119 (47.4%) had moderate to severe depression and overall QOL was poor (mean±standard deviation [SD] DLQI score: 11.4±4.2). Disability was significantly associated with depression (β=0.26 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.19 to 0.33]). Currently receiving treatment (β=−3.05 [95% CI −5.25 to −0.85), disability (β=−0.08 [95% CI −0.15 to −0.01]) and social support (moderate support: β=−2.27 [95% CI −3.66 to −0.89] and strong support: β=−2.87 [95% CI −5.35 to −0.38]) were significantly associated with better QOL.

Conclusion
High levels of depression and low QOL were found among patients with lymphoedema due the three NTDs in Ethiopia.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Global Health and Infection
SWORD Depositor:	Mx Elements Account
Depositing User:	Mx Elements Account
Date Deposited:	27 Oct 2020 08:02
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2021 12:15
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/94625

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