Insights on Lymphedema Self-Care Knowledge and Practice in Filariasis and Podoconiosis-Endemic Communities in Bangladesh and Ethiopia

• Published in: Frontiers in tropical diseases 2021-10, Vol.2
• Main Authors: Douglass, Janet, Martindale, Sarah, Mableson, Hayley, Jhara, Sanya Tahmina, Karim, Mohammad Jahirul, Rahman, Muhammad Mujibur, Kawsar, Abdullah Al, Khair, Abul, Mahmood, A. S. M. Sultan, Rahman, A. K. M. Fazlur, Chowdhury, Salim Mahmud, Hailekiros, Fikre, Tamiru, Mossie, Seife, Fikre, Bishaw, Tesfahun, Nigussie, Mekdes, Meribo, Kadu, Agidew, Getnet, Betts, Hannah, Taylor, Mark J., Kelly-Hope, Louise A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2673-7515; 2673-7515
• DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.767045

Lymphedema is a life-long sequelae to several neglected tropical diseases (NTD). In Bangladesh the main cause is lymphatic filariasis (LF) and Ethiopia is endemic for both LF and podoconiosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends daily self-care including meticulous washing and drying of affected skin and attention to entry lesions, limb exercises and elevation. Adherence to this regime reduces secondary infections which cause disabling episodes of acute dermato-lymphangitis (ADL). Self-care practices must be integrated into family life, supported by community and monitored by health staff; however, little is known about the influence of personal and socio-demographic factors on adherence. People affected by lymphedema (n=272), adult caregivers (n=272), and health workers (n=68) in Bangladesh and Ethiopia were trained in lymphedema management according to WHO recommendations. Surveys on the causes and management of lymphedema were collected at baseline and 24-weeks, and patients completed a daily journal of self-care activities and symptoms. At baseline knowledge on causes and management of lymphedema was greater among health workers (>70%) than patients and caregivers (