Background: People with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF)-related disabilities experience higher levels of poor mental well-being compared with the general community. Mental health services are often not available. This study was conducted to provide proof of concept that basic psychological support for people affected by neglected tropical diseases (BPS-N) can be given by peer supporters to reduce stigma, improve mental well-being and participation among clients.
Methods: The BPS-N approach was tested in a quasi-experimental design using mixed methods. To provide psychological support using the BPS-N, peer supporters were selected and trained. They supported people with leprosy- and LF-related disabilities. Preintervention and postintervention, stigma, mental well-being, depression and participation were measured through standard scales within 4 wk of the intervention; differences were tested using standard tests of significance.
Results: After 3 mo of intervention, the mean level of stigma had decreased (30.3 to 24, p<0.001); high mental well-being increased (0% to 13.3%, p<0.001); and moderate to severe depression decreased (88% to 47%, p<0.001). No significant change occurred in participation restrictions (87% to 92%, p=0.497).
Conclusions: Psychological peer support using the BPS-N guideline appears effective in reducing stigma and improving mental well-being and can be operationalised. However, this should be confirmed through a randomised controlled trial.
BT - International health C1 -
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38118159
DA - 12/2023 DO - 10.1093/inthealth/ihad096 IS - Supplement_3 J2 - Int Health LA - eng N2 -Background: People with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF)-related disabilities experience higher levels of poor mental well-being compared with the general community. Mental health services are often not available. This study was conducted to provide proof of concept that basic psychological support for people affected by neglected tropical diseases (BPS-N) can be given by peer supporters to reduce stigma, improve mental well-being and participation among clients.
Methods: The BPS-N approach was tested in a quasi-experimental design using mixed methods. To provide psychological support using the BPS-N, peer supporters were selected and trained. They supported people with leprosy- and LF-related disabilities. Preintervention and postintervention, stigma, mental well-being, depression and participation were measured through standard scales within 4 wk of the intervention; differences were tested using standard tests of significance.
Results: After 3 mo of intervention, the mean level of stigma had decreased (30.3 to 24, p<0.001); high mental well-being increased (0% to 13.3%, p<0.001); and moderate to severe depression decreased (88% to 47%, p<0.001). No significant change occurred in participation restrictions (87% to 92%, p=0.497).
Conclusions: Psychological peer support using the BPS-N guideline appears effective in reducing stigma and improving mental well-being and can be operationalised. However, this should be confirmed through a randomised controlled trial.
PY - 2023 SP - iii59 EP - iii69 T2 - International health TI - Impact of basic psychological support on stigma and mental well-being of people with disabilities due to leprosy and lymphatic filariasis: a proof-of-concept study. UR - https://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article-pdf/15/Supplement_3/iii59/54699732/ihad096.pdf VL - 15 SN - 1876-3405 ER -