Stigma and stigma-induced stress in filarial lymphoedema patients in Puducherry, India

Introduction: The morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) strategy for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (ELF) focuses on alleviating the sufferings about 36 million patients living in 49 endemic countries. At present, available quality life questionnaires are not adequate to address stigma stress filarial lymphoedema (FLE) patients. Therefore, a comprehensive robust assessment tool needs be developed. Methods: We developed item SARI-FLE-Version-2 questionnaire 20 PSS-FLE-Version-2 tested it among different grades FLE followed Likert scale scoring system conducted statistical analysis using SPSS IBM version 25.0. Results: Of 80 (LF) assessed, 35.0%, 42.5%, 22.5% had 2, 3, 4 LE lower extremity, respectively. an excellent internal consistency, as indicated by high Cronbach alpha values all six domains. There was significant correlation (p < 0.05) between In three domains (cognitive function, social stigma, experienced stigma), mean scores were significantly higher grade compared 2 0.02). Conclusion: Stigma tools form reliable quantifying LF is scope incorporate these MMD