Programmatic implications of the findings.

BackgroundNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as lymphatic filariasis (LF) are a significant concern in developing countries like Bangladesh. Understanding the health and social needs of individuals with LF is essential for improving their healthcare-seeking experiences and advancing the health system's capacity. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore the social and care-seeking experiences of persons with LF in Bangladesh.MethodSemi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with people with LF in two highly endemic districts in northern Bangladesh. Online key informant interviews were also conducted among stakeholders associated with NTD care. Recorded interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.Result28 participants (20 with LF and 8 stakeholders) were interviewed, and five major themes emerged after analysis. In terms of disease-related knowledge, the participants perceived lymphedema as a condition characterised by swelling, pain, and fever, which they believed was caused by eating stale food, being infected by others, or being punished by God. Overall, females in particular shared their experiences of negative attitudes from the community. LF adversely affected their daily life, including mental health and well-being. Most respondents sought support from conventional healthcare services; however, their perception of incurable disease led to low medication adherence and dissatisfaction. Lack of knowledge, inaccessibility of healthcare services, financial challenges, and physical disability were major barriers to seeking care. Participants emphasised the importance of financial assistance, community awareness, enhancing the accessibility and quality of care, and occupational rehabilitation scopes with governmental aid.ConclusionOur findings highlighted the importance of ensuring an accessible and affordable healthcare infrastructure for people with LF. Additionally, the involvement of government and related stakeholders is essential to improve service users’ experiences and attain high standards, combined with the need for inclusive well-being-related services. Concentrated efforts should be made to design culturally acceptable interventions to raise awareness and reduce stigma.研究背景：淋巴丝虫病（Lymphatic Filariasis, LF）等被忽视的热带病（Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs）在孟加拉国等发展中国家仍是重大公共卫生关切。明晰淋巴丝虫病患者的健康与社会需求，对改善其就医体验、提升卫生系统服务能力至关重要。为此，本项定性研究（qualitative study）旨在探究孟加拉国淋巴丝虫病患者的社会支持与就医经历。 研究方法：在孟加拉国北部两个高流行区县，对淋巴丝虫病患者开展半结构化面对面深度访谈；同时对与被忽视的热带病诊疗相关的利益相关方进行线上关键知情人访谈。采用主题分析法（thematic analysis）对录制的访谈内容进行分析。 研究结果：共访谈28名受访者（20名淋巴丝虫病患者与8名利益相关方），经分析提炼出五大核心主题。在疾病相关认知层面，受访者将淋巴水肿视为以肿胀、疼痛与发热为特征的病症，且认为其病因包括食用变质食物、被他人传染或遭受天谴。总体而言，女性受访者尤为详细地分享了来自社区的负面态度经历。淋巴丝虫病对患者日常生活造成不利影响，包括心理健康与福祉状况。多数受访者曾求助于常规医疗卫生服务，但由于认为疾病无法治愈，其服药依从性较低且满意度不佳。缺乏疾病认知、医疗卫生服务可及性不足、经济负担沉重以及肢体残疾，是阻碍其就医的主要障碍。受访者强调，在政府资助下开展经济援助、社区健康宣教、提升医疗服务可及性与质量、拓展职业康复渠道具有重要意义。 研究结论：本研究结果凸显了为淋巴丝虫病患者构建可及且可负担的卫生基础设施的重要性。此外，为改善服务使用者体验并达成高标准服务，政府与相关利益相关方的参与必不可少，同时需配套提供包容性健康福祉相关服务。还应集中力量设计符合文化习俗的干预措施，以提升健康宣教效果并减少病耻感。