BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis impact individual quality of life. In contrast, family quality of life has not received as much attention despite evidence that families are also affected. This is especially relevant given the crucial role of the family in most societies around the world. This study looks at the impact of leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis on family quality of life. METHODOLOGY The study used a cross-sectional design with a qualitative approach. Both semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. Participants, persons affected and their family members, were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected between August and November 2017 in Awi zone, Northwest Ethiopia and analysed by three independent researchers using open, inductive coding and content analysis. RESULTS A total of 86 participants were included in this study: 56 participants in the in-depth interviews and 30 participants in the focus group discussions. We found that participation restrictions, reduced productivity and marginalisation were common. In addition, discrimination in the communities occurred often, often extending to family members of persons affected. Divorce and difficulties in finding a spouse were common for persons affected and their family members. Many persons affected reported mental health problems. While most people got social and physical support from their families, there were a few exceptions. In particular, persons with younger children seemed to lack social support. Having to provide for their affected family member sometimes caused stress, school dropouts and an additional workload. Financial problems and loss of livelihood were reported by almost all participants. CONCLUSION This study revealed that leprosy, lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis have an effect on several dimensions of family quality of life. Many problems reported related to stigma and poverty.

中文翻译：

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麻风病，肺部疾病和淋巴丝虫病对家庭生活质量的影响：埃塞俄比亚西北部的定性研究。

背景技术几项研究表明，麻风病，足病和淋巴丝虫病会影响个人生活质量。相反，尽管有证据表明家庭也受到影响，但家庭生活质量并未得到足够的重视。考虑到家庭在世界上大多数社会中的关键作用，这一点尤其重要。这项研究着眼于麻风病，肺部疾病和淋巴丝虫病对家庭生活质量的影响。方法论本研究采用定性方法进行横断面设计。进行了半结构化访谈和焦点小组讨论。通过有针对性的抽样选择参与者，受影响的人及其家庭成员。数据于2017年8月至11月在埃塞俄比亚西北部Awi地区收集，并由三名独立研究人员使用开放，归纳编码和内容分析。结果本研究共包括86名参与者：深度访谈中的56名参与者和焦点小组讨论中的30名参与者。我们发现参与限制，降低生产力和边缘化是常见的。此外，社区中的歧视经常发生，经常扩大到受影响人的家庭成员。离婚和寻找配偶的困难在受影响的人及其家庭成员中很普遍。许多受影响的人报告了精神健康问题。虽然大多数人都从家人那里获得了社会和物质上的支持，但也有少数例外。特别是，有年幼子女的人似乎缺乏社会支持。不得不为受影响的家庭成员提供食物有时会造成压力，辍学和额外的工作量。几乎所有与会者都报告了财务问题和生计丧失。结论这项研究表明麻风病，淋巴丝虫病和破伤风会影响家庭生活质量的几个方面。报告的许多问题都与耻辱和贫穷有关。