The psychosocial burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural Sri Lanka: A multi-method qualitative study

by Hasara Nuwangi, Lisa Dikomitis, Kosala Gayan Weerakoon, Suneth Buddhika Agampodi, Thilini Chanchala Agampodi Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease affecting some of the world ’s most economically disadvantaged and resource-poor regions. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common out of the three clinical types of Leishmaniasis. Since 1904 this disease has been endemic in Sri Lanka. CL is considered a disfiguring stigmatising disease with a higher psychosocial burd en. However, there needs to be a more in-depth, holistic understanding of the psychosocial burden of this disease, both locally and internationally. An in-depth understanding of the disease burden beyond morbidity and mortality is required to provide people-centred care. We explored the psychosocial burden of CL in rural Sri Lanka using a complex multimethod qualitative approach with community engagement and involvement. Data collection included participant observation, an auto-ethnographic diary study by community researchers with post-diary interviews, and a Participant Experience Reflection Journal (PERJ) study with post-PERJ interviews with community members with CL. The thematic analysis revealed three major burden-related themes on perceptions and reflections on the disease: wound, treatment, and illness-experience related burden. Fear, disgust, body image concerns, and being subje cted to negative societal reactions were wound-related. Treatment interfering with day-to-day life, pain, the ...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research