SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS IN SEMI-URBAN COMMUNITY OF RATANPUR, CHHATTISGARH STATE, INDIA

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is connected with psychological and social stigma, which can have a negative impact on productivity and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to see how patients with lymphatic filariasis felt about social stigma.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 26 lymphatic filariasis patients. A structured questionnaire was used for the interview, and the results were analyzed.

Results: Out of 26 patients, 11 (42.30%) were males, and 15 (57.70%) were females. All of the patients had lymphedema of the lower limb. There was no significant difference in the overall quality of life score between males and females. The overall quality of life score decreased with the severity of the disease. The least domain-specific score was observed in the mobility domain, and 2/3rd of patients had psychological problems and problems in social participation.

Conclusion: The social stigma associated with lymphatic filariasis was perceived by 70 percent of the study participants. As a result, in addition to preventative and treatment strategies for filariasis, emphasis must be placed on decreasing societal stigma associated with the condition.