02458nas a2200325   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653001000054653001500064653001200079653002500091653003200116653002000148653001100168100001200179700001200191700001700203700001200220700001300232700001200245700001200257700001300269700001200282245010600294856009400400300001600494490000700510520160100517022001402118       2023                            d  c12/202310aNepal10aDepression10aleprosy10aLymphatic filariasis10aNeglected Tropical Diseases10aQuality of Life10aStigma1 aThapa D1 aDahal H1 aChaulagain D1 aKarki A1 aSharma N1 aBaral B1 aNepal C1 aPaudel P1 aThapa J00aStigma, depression and quality of life among people affected by neglected tropical diseases in Nepal.  uhttps://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article-pdf/15/Supplement_3/iii79/54699678/ihad099.pdf  aiii79-iii860 v153 a<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stigma and poor mental health are important factors influencing the quality of life (QOL) of people with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This study examines the relationship between stigma, depression and QOL among people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Nepal.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted among 102 NTD-affected persons (70 leprosy and 32 LF) using interview-administered questionnaires measuring the level of stigma (5-QSI-AP), symptoms of depression (PHQ-9) and QOL (WHOQOL-8). Three different regression models were developed, each using the ordinary least squares and Poisson regression to evaluate the association between stigma and QOL, depression and QOL, and stigma and depression.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean scores were 21.8±4.4 for QOL, 6.6±5.6 for depression and 3.0±2.8 for stigma. Almost 17% reported the prevalence of depression symptoms. Both stigma (β=-0.65, p&lt;0.001) and depression (β=-0.32, p&lt;0.001) were associated with lower scores for QOL, while there was a significant positive relationship between stigma and depression (β=0.92, p&lt;0.001). Similar results were obtained from the Poisson regression models.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study showed a considerable burden of depression, stigma and poor QOL among study participants with leprosy and LF in Nepal. A holistic package of care that addresses the physical, mental and psychological well-being of people with NTD is required.</p>

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