Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) inflict significant comorbid disability on the most vulnerable communities; yet interventions targeting the mental health of affected communities are lacking. A pilot study to assess the effectiveness of a chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) was introduced to lymphatic filariasis peer support groups in Léogâne, Haiti.
Methods: Using a closed-cohort stepped-wedge cluster trial design, Hope Clubs were assigned into Arm 1 (n=118 members) and Arm 2 (n=92). Household surveys, measuring self-rated health, depression, disease self-efficacy, perceived social support, and quality of life, were conducted at baseline (before CDSMP); midpoint (after Arm 1/before Arm 2 completed CDSMP); and endpoint (after CDSMP). Non-Hope Club member patients (n=74) were evaluated at baseline for comparison.
Results: Fifty percent of Hope Club members (Arm 1: 48.3%, Arm 2: 52.2%) screened positive for depression at baseline, compared with 36.5% of non-Hope Club members. No statistically significant differences were found in outcome measures between intervention observation periods. At endpoint, depressive illness reduced to 28.7% (Arm 1) and 27.6% (Arm 2).
Conclusions: The intervention was feasible to integrate into Hope Clubs, showed overall positive effects and reduced depressive symptoms. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of implementing CDSMP in the NTD context.
}, year = {2024}, journal = {International Health}, volume = {16}, pages = {i68-i77}, publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)}, issn = {1876-3413, 1876-3405}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article/16/Supplement_1/i68/7636814}, doi = {10.1093/inthealth/ihae006}, language = {Eng}, }