02233nas a2200289   4500000000100000008004100001653003900042653002500081653001100106653002700117653001200144653001800156100001700174700001300191700001300204700001300217700001400230700001200244700001300256700001300269700001200282245012000294856008500414300001000499490000700509520142700516       2018                            d10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aLymphatic filariasis10aStigma10aEmotional difficulties10aNigeria10aMental Health1 aAbdulmalik J1 aNwefoh E1 aObindo J1 aDakwak S1 aAyobola M1 aUmaru J1 aSamuel E1 aOgoshi C1 aEaton J00aEmotional difficulties and experiences of stigma among persons with lymphatic filariasis in Plateau State, Nigeria.  uhttps://cdn2.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/125/2018/06/Abdulmalik.pdf  a27-400 v203 a<p>Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a chronic and often disfiguring condition that predominantly affects the rural poor and leads to social exclusion, stigma, and discrimination. Little is currently known about the emotional difficulties and stigma experiences among persons living with LF in Nigeria. Our study evaluated the emotional difficulties and stigma experienced by persons with LF in Plateau State, Nigeria. We utilized a combination of qualitative data instruments comprising focus group discussions, McGill’s Illness Narrative Interviews, and key informant interviews. We transcribed and analyzed the data using a combination of inductive and deductive coding approaches. Sixtynine respondents were interviewed: 37 females and 32 males. The prevalent community perception of LF was the belief that it was a spiritual problem. Emotional reactions included feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger, frustration, worry, and suicidal ideation. These experiences, including those of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, culminated in difficulties with occupational functioning, marital life, and community participation. Our findings highlight the value of a rights-based approach that emphasizes state and non-state actors’ need to provide access to the highest attainable standard of health, including mental health, and to protect persons with LF from stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion.</p>