The psychosocial impact of disability and stigma among persons affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis in India

Abstract Background Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF), can cause disabilities despite available treatment. Both diseases disproportionately affect India’s poorest populations, with high numbers in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Those affected experience severe psychosocial consequences, including participation restrictions, depression, and poor mental health. This study investigates the extent to which stigma affects social participation and mental wellbeing among persons with leprosy- and LF-related disabilities in two Indian states. Methodology In a cross-sectional design in Bokaro (Jharkhand) and Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh), participants were randomly selected among persons with leprosy- or LF-related disabilities, along with comparable non-affected community members. Sociodemographic and disability data were collected, alongside four measures assessing mental wellbeing, depression, participation restriction, and stigma. Analysis used descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate regression. Results A total of 201 persons with leprosy-related disabilities, 240 with LF-related disabilities, and 98 non-affected community members were included. Persons with NTD-related disabilities exhibited significantly higher depression and participation restriction and reported lower mental wellbeing compared to community members (p