Impact of lymphatic filariasis on quality of life of affected individuals: A community based cross sectional survey.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is an important public health problem worldwide. Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is based on two strategies (i) interrupt transmission and (ii) morbidity management to reduce the disability. This study evaluated the effect of lymphatic filariasis on the affected patients.

Methodology: Community based cross sectional study was conducted for 2 months between June-July 2015 among 66 lymphatic filariasis patients. Structured questionnaire was used for the interview and the results were analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results: Out of 66 patients 39 (59%) were males and 27 (41%) were females. Mean duration of disease was 17.2 years. Majority (98.5%) of the patients had lymphedema of lower limb. Mean overall quality of life score was 69.81. There was no significant difference in the overall quality of life score between males and females. The overall quality of life score increased with increase in severity of the disease. Least domain specific score was observed in the domain of mobility and 2/3rd of patients had psychological problems and problems in social participation.

Conclusion: Morbidity management programmes should also focus on the psychological and social aspects of the disease along with physical rehabilitation of the patients.