Health-seeking behaviors and self-care practices of people with filarial Lymphoedema in Nepal: A qualitative study

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in Nepal. This study aimed to investigate health-seeking behaviors and self-care practices of people with filarial Lymphoedema in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using qualitative methods in three endemic districts. Twenty-three patients with current Lymphoedema were recruited in the study. Results: Hydrocele was found to be a well-known condition and amajor health problem in the studied communities. People with Lymphoedema primarily sought health care from traditional healers, whereas sometimes home-based care was their first treatment. Later Ayurvedic and allopathic hospital-based care were sought. Respondents reported various psychological problems such as difficulty in engaging in sexual intercourse, anxiety, worry and stress, depression, low self-esteem, feeling weak, fear of being abandoned, and fear of transmitting disease to the children. Standard foot care practices except washing were largely absent. Conclusions: Lymphoedema in the limbs and hydrocele were found to be major health problems.The traditional health care providers were the first contact of care for the majority of respondents. Only a few patients had been practicing standard foot care practices.