Self-help groups for chronic disease have been used successfully in industrial countries to assist patients in coping with the common problems engendered by their illnesses, but have not been used widely in developing countries, particularly with people affected by tropical diseases. The proposed study will investigate the utility of support groups for women with lymphatic filariasis in an endemic community in Haiti. Women were recruited to participate in 5 semi-structured support groups, which met on a regular cycle and follow group-led preferences for format and content of sessions. Groups were organized at 2 urban and 3 rural sites located at varying distances from town. Peer facilitators were trained to lead group activities and collect data for the project. A longitudinal design addressed process evaluation objectives, and outcomes were assessed in relation to environmental conditions, participant characteristics and group factors. A case-control study determined risk factors for nonparticipation and drop-out. The findings allow us to assess the utility and sustainability of support groups for filariasis in Haiti, and have implications for the potential role of support groups for management of chronic debilitating disease in developing country settings.
Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to identify factors that influence the successful development of support groups for chronic debilitating disease in Haiti
Keywords: Community-Based Care, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.