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. copyright © 2015 ram kumar adhikari et al.