Treatment-seeking behavior among people affected by neglected tropical diseases in Koshi Province, Nepal

Janak K. Thapa; Harsha R. Dahal; Salina Thapa; Chiranjibi Nepal; Bhuwan Baral; Pabitra Balampki; Pragya Pokharel; Sushant Luitel; Deependra K. Thapa

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251687

Authors

Janak K. Thapa Little Buddha College of Health Science, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal; Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Harsha R. Dahal Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Salina Thapa Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Chiranjibi Nepal FAIRMED Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal
Bhuwan Baral FAIRMED Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pabitra Balampki Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pragya Pokharel Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Sushant Luitel Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Deependra K. Thapa Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251687

Keywords:

Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, Nepal, NTD, Treatment-seeking behavior

Abstract

Background: Understanding the treatment-seeking behavior of individuals affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is crucial for improving access to care and controlling disease spread. Identifying care-seeking barriers and facilitators enables targeted health interventions and policies for NTD-affected populations. The aim is to assess treatment-seeking behavior and associated factors among patients affected by NTD.

Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 participants (leprosy 70, Lymphatic Filariasis 32) in Koshi Province of Nepal. A standardized, pre-tested questionnaire assessed treatment-seeking behaviour, and socio-demographic and disease related characteristics. Factors associated with treatment seeking bahviour were estimated using logistic regression.

Results: Around two-thirds (65.7%) of the patients affected by NTDs sought treatment in the past 12 months. Around 12% of the patients who received treatment from health workers still needed to complete the prescribed medication regimen. Religion, financial support, and types of NTDs are significantly associated with treatment-seeking behavior.

Conclusions: NTDs affected persons from younger age groups with informal education should be targeted to improve their treatment-seeking behaviour. Expanding health insurance schemes to include NTD may reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure on receiving treatment from the health post.

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