02654nas a2200385   4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653005700076653002100133653002800154653003700182653001800219653003900237653002000276653001100296100001500307700001400322700001100336700001500347700001100362700001400373700001500387700001500402700001300417700001900430700001400449700001400463700001100477245019400488856009400682300001600776490000700792520144400799022002502243       2023                            d  bOxford University Press (OUP)10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health10aGeneral Medicine10aHealth (social science)10aDemocratic Republic of the Congo10aMental Health10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aQuality of Life10aStigma1 aSeekles ML1 aKadima JK1 aDing Y1 aBulambo CB1 aKim JJ1 aKukola JK1 aOmumbu POL1 aMulamba RM1 aNganda M1 aNgenyibungi SM1 aNgondu FL1 aSabuni LP1 aDean L00aMental health, stigma and the quality of life of people affected by neglected tropical diseases of the skin in Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a sex-disaggregated analysis  uhttps://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article-pdf/15/Supplement_3/iii28/54699642/ihad084.pdf  aiii28-iii360 v153 a<p><strong>Background:</strong> Worldwide, persons affected by skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) may experience stigma and discrimination, which could lead to impaired societal functioning and poor mental wellbeing. Evidence of comorbidity of NTDs and mental health conditions is dominated by Leprosy, largely lacking in post-conflict areas, and rarely disaggregated by sex.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:&nbsp;</strong>This cross-sectional survey is the first to explore depression, anxiety, stigma, and quality of life amongst people affected by Lymphatic Filariasis, Buruli Ulcer, Onchocerciasis or Leprosy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After a census through active case identification, the survey was completed by 118 persons (response rate 94.4%). Results In total, 58.3% of men and 80.0% of women screened positive for major depressive disorder (PHQ-9). Symptoms indicative of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD-7) were displayed by 54.8% of men and 62.2% of women. Being female, having a disability, experiencing stigma and lower physical quality of life were predictors of depression. Anxiety was predicted by age, physical quality of life, disability (for men only) and environmental quality of life (for women only).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Integrated, intersectoral and gender-sensitive initiatives are needed to respond to the many biopsychosocial challenges that persons affected face.&nbsp;</p>
  a1876-3413, 1876-3405