Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41414886›Full record

ArticleInternational health2026

How sustainable are self-help interventions in the post-funding period? Qualitative findings from integrated leprosy communities in Nigeria.

Onaedo Ilozumba, Paul Tsaku, Sopna Choudhury, Sunday Udo, Pius Sunday, Antje Lindenmeyer, Richard Lilford, Frances Griffiths

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in International health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Onaedo IlozumbaInstitute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.ORCID 0000-0003-4951-9631
Paul TsakuThe Leprosy Mission Nigeria, 9 Kings Drive, Fort Royal Estate, Abuja, Nigeria.ORCID 0000-0001-9490-4112
Sopna ChoudhuryInstitute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Sunday UdoThe Leprosy Mission Nigeria, 9 Kings Drive, Fort Royal Estate, Abuja, Nigeria.
Pius SundayThe Leprosy Mission Nigeria, 9 Kings Drive, Fort Royal Estate, Abuja, Nigeria.
Antje LindenmeyerInstitute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Richard LilfordInstitute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Frances GriffithsDivision of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.

Funding

National Institute for Health and Care Research NIHR200132NIHR ARC West Midlands
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTime-limited, externally funded self-help groups (receiving training, equipment and access to seeds) are typically evaluated during the funding period. However, their sustainability beyond this phase remains understudied.

methodsThis retrospective qualitative study explored the post-funding sustainability of two 6-y self-help interventions (2013-2019) for groups in integrated leprosy communities in central Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 stakeholders (beneficiaries, implementers and funders) and supplemented by document analysis.

resultsFindings revealed that most activities ceased after funding ended, with limited evidence of sustained benefits. In one community, sewing initiatives persisted, while the other showed no lasting impact. Challenges included inadequate maintenance of provided equipment (e.g. sewing machines, tricycles) and systemic barriers such as insecure land tenure and limited educational access.

conclusionsThe study highlights the fragility of externally funded self-help models in marginalised communities. Sustainability requires integration with broader economic systems and infrastructure support. Funders should prioritise long-term planning alongside short-term interventions.

Indexed as

LeprosySelf-Help GroupsHumansInterviews as TopicNigeriaProgram EvaluationQualitative ResearchRetrospective Studiesleprosylow- and middle-income countriesneglected tropical diseasesself-help groupssustainability

Identifiers

PMID41414886
PMCPMC13530288

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.