ArticlePLoS neglected tropical diseases2025
A new guide for basic psychological support for persons affected by neglected tropical diseases: A peer support tool suitable for persons with a diagnosis of leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.
Article in PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Gendered experiences of people living with tuberculosis or leprosy: A global systematic review.PLoS neglected tropical diseases · 2026Pooled it
- Effectiveness of community-based and community-led interventions to improve the psychosocial well-being of those affected by skin-NTDs: A systematic review.PLoS neglected tropical diseases · 2026Pooled it
- Psychological First Aid for People Affected by Skin Diseases.Indian dermatology online journal · 2026Article
- Inclusion in Neglected Tropical Disease Programmes: A Review of Inclusive Approaches for Control and Elimination.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- "The general public will never truly know what it feels like": Exploring the Lived Experiences of Persons Affected by Leprosy in Sindh, Pakistan - A qualitative study.PLOS mental health · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
16 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundPeople with disabilities due to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF), often encounter situations of stigma and discrimination that significantly impact their mental wellbeing. Mental wellbeing services are often not available at the peripheral level in NTD-endemic countries, and there is a need for such services. Basic psychological support for persons with NTDs (BPS-N) from peers is an important potential solution for addressing mental wellbeing problems. As there was no written document advising delivery of such support, NLR India brought experts together to develop a new guide. This paper describes the process used in developing the guide and provides information about its content.
methodsAs a qualitative and participatory methodology, more than 10 meetings and workshops were held to consider the suitability of existing guides for chronic stress in NTDs and develop a new guide through consensus and adaptations; attendees included both technical experts and affected persons. The first meeting was a 3-day virtual workshop held on 9-11 June 2020, followed by other online meetings. The BPS-N guide development happened during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The Psychological First Aid (PFA) package of WHO was selected as a suitable basic model for adaptation. Aspects of the Rights-Based Counselling intervention were also integrated into the new guide. Two teams were formed for drafting and reviewing the guide.
resultsAll suggested changes were discussed, and a consensus reached for developing the document. The affected persons contextualized the content for ensuring its relevance and practicality. The new BPS-N guide was simple, professionally sound, ethical, adequate, and appropriate. The guide promotes knowledge, skills, compassion, and action among peer supporters.
conclusionThe new guide, through regular trainings, behavior change, and action principles will likely provide much-needed services. It is important that the new guide be now tested, and modifications made if needed.
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