A holistic approach to well-being and neglected tropical diseases: evaluating the impact of community-led support groups in Nigeria using community-based participatory research

BACKGROUND: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect around 1 billion people, many living in the poorest parts of the world. NTDs often lead to serious long-term physical impairments. Stigma, disability, poverty and social isolation interact, resulting in poor quality of life and significant psychosocial impacts. The holistic health and psychosocial needs of persons affected by NTDs are often overlooked in integrated NTD programme design and research. Furthermore, the viewpoints of persons affected are often absent and spaces for empowerment and advocacy are limited. METHODS: Using a community-based participatory research design, our study partnered with persons affected and caregivers as co-researchers to address this gap. Through the process, we co-designed and implemented community-based support groups in Kaduna and Kwara, Nigeria, where NTDs are endemic. This paper utilises photovoice with support group facilitators (persons affected); participant observation of group meetings; rapid micronarratives with support group members; and key informant interviews with programme implementers at the state and local government area levels to explore the impact of the support groups from the perspective of people affected by NTDs and other health system actors. RESULTS: Perceived impacts of the support groups included a sense of ownership and empowerment, stigma reduction, improved self-esteem, improved health knowledge and health outcomes and capacity strengthening through vocational training. CONCLUSIONS: Support groups, as community spaces of healing, offer a low-cost holistic intervention for chronic disease and disability.