In:
PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 2, No. 6 ( 2022-6-29), p. e0000551-
Abstract:
The intersections between NTDs, disability, and mental ill-health are increasingly recognised globally. Chronic morbidity resultant from many NTDs, particularly those affecting the skin—including lymphatic filariasis (LF), leprosy, Buruli ulcer (BU) and onchocerciasis—is well known and largely documented from a medicalised perspective. However less is known about the complex biosocial interaction shaping interconnected morbidities. We apply syndemic theory to explain the biosocial relationship between NTDs and mental distress in the context of structural violence in Liberia. By advancing syndemic theory to include intersectional thought, it is apparent that structural violence becomes embodied in different ways through interacting multi-level (macro, meso and micro) processes. Through the use of in-depth qualitative methods, we explore the syndemic interaction of NTDs and mental distress from the vantage point of the most vulnerable and suggest that: 1) the post-conflict environment in Liberia predisposes people to the chronic effects of NTDs as well as other ‘generalised stressors’ as a consequence of ongoing structural violence; 2) people affected by NTDs are additionally exposed to stigma and discrimination that cause additional stressors and synergistically produce negative health outcomes in relation to NTDs and mental distress; and 3) the impact and experience of consequential syndemic suffering is shaped by intersecting axes of inequity such as gender and generation which are themselves created by unequal power distribution across multiple systems levels. Bringing together health systems discourse, which is focused on service integration and centred around disease control, with syndemic discourse that considers the biosocial context of disease interaction offers new approaches. We suggest that taking a syndemic-informed approach to care in the development of people-centred health systems is key to alleviating the burden of syndemic suffering associated with NTDs and mental distress currently experienced by vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2767-3375
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.g004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.g005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.t003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000551.s002
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3101394-6
Bookmarklink
