Evaluation of psychosocial support for lymphatic filariasis-related lymphoedema using the PSB-CL 15 questionnaire

Introduction: Lymphoedema (LE) due to lymphatic filariasis (LF) is considered a neglected, lifelong disease. This study aims to deliver and evaluate psychological support provided to a sample of patients using a newly developed, culturally appropriate questionnaire.
Methods: Two groups of patients with lymphoedema due to lymphatic filariasis in Southern Sri Lanka were enrolled in a case-control study to assess the effect of psychosocial support on their Psychosocial Burden (PSB) using a disease-specific questionnaire (PSB-CL15). 
Results: The scale scores indicated a significant improvement in the total score as well as in all four dimensions (social, physical, fear, and humiliation) following the psychosocial support intervention. However, the humiliation dimension appeared more resistant to improvement according to the individual item analysis.
Conclusions: The psychosocial burden of LF patients with LE can be successfully alleviated through psychological support, and the dimensions of PSB can be effectively identified using the PSB-CL15 questionnaire.