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High levels of depressive symptoms amongst people with lower limb lymphoedema in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

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posted on 2023-06-09, 22:03 authored by Maya SemrauMaya Semrau, Gail DaveyGail Davey, Ursin Bayisenge, Kebede Kassaye
Background There is a growing body of evidence that mental distress and disorder are common among people with lower limb lymphoedema, although no research has been conducted on this subject in Rwanda. Methods This research was embedded within a mapping study to determine the national prevalence and geographical distribution of podoconiosis in Rwanda. Using a cluster sampling design, adult members of households within 80 randomly selected sectors in all 30 districts of Rwanda were first screened and 1143 patients were diagnosed with either podoconiosis (n=914) or lower limb lymphoedema of another cause (n=229). These 1143 participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 to establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Results Overall, 68.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms- 34.3% had mild depressive symptoms, 24.2% had moderate, 8.8% moderately severe and 1.2% severe depressive symptoms. The mean PHQ-9 score was 7.39 (SD=5.29) out of a possible 0 (no depression) to 27 (severe depression). Linear regression showed unemployment to be a consistently strong predictor of depressive symptoms; the other predictors were region (province), type of lymphoedema and, for those with podoconiosis, female gender, marital status and disease stage. Conclusions Levels of depressive symptoms were very high among people with lower limb lymphoedema in Rwanda, which should be addressed through holistic morbidity management and disability prevention services that integrate mental health, psychosocial and economic interventions alongside physical care.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

ISSN

0035-9203

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Issue

12

Volume

114

Page range

974-982

Department affiliated with

  • Global Health and Infection Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-11-03

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-01-18

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-11-03

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