Background Podoconiosis is a progressive and debilitating form of tropical lymphoedema endemic to Rwanda. Although the physical and psychological consequences are well known, few studies have evaluated the financial burden of podoconiosis. Methods This cross-sectional, quantitative study aimed to characterize direct treatment costs and impacts on annual earnings among individuals living with podoconiosis. Participants from two highly endemic districts were invited to complete a survey focused on health-seeking history, insurance status, out-of-pocket costs and income changes. Direct treatment costs included medical expenditures (consultation, diagnostics, medication) and non-medical expenditures (food, transportation, accommodation). Results Overall, 226 adults (≥18 y of age) diagnosed with podoconiosis participated. Most had access to community-based health insurance (91.6%) but were unable to work (71.7%). Respondents sought care from health centres/posts (61.9%), hospitals (25.1%), traditional healers (5.8%) and/or community health workers (4.0%). On average, study participants paid US$32.50 (range US$0–779.23) annually, or 11.7% of their household salary, on podoconiosis treatments. Conclusions This study demonstrates the significant financial burden of podoconiosis on individuals and their communities. Increased attention on integrating podoconiosis management into primary care systems and testing cost-effective solutions is needed to protect those who are most vulnerable.

中文翻译：

---

“我的脚无法自己站立”：卢旺达足病患者的医疗支出和收入影响

背景 脚足病是卢旺达流行的一种进行性、使人衰弱的热带淋巴水肿。尽管身体和心理后果众所周知，但很少有研究评估脚足病的经济负担。方法 这项横断面定量研究旨在描述足病患者的直接治疗成本及其对年收入的影响。来自两个高流行地区的参与者被邀请完成一项调查，重点关注就医历史、保险状况、自付费用和收入变化。直接治疗费用包括医疗支出（咨询、诊断、药物）和非医疗支出（食物、交通、住宿）。结果 总体而言，共有 226 名被诊断患有脚足病的成年人（≥18 岁）参与。大多数人获得了社区健康保险（91.6%），但无法工作（71.7%）。受访者向卫生中心/哨所（61.9%）、医院（25.1%）、传统治疗师（5.8%）和/或社区卫生工作者（4.0%）寻求护理。平均而言，研究参与者每年为脚足病治疗支付 32.50 美元（范围为 0-779.23 美元），即家庭工资的 11.7%。结论 这项研究表明足病给个人及其社区带来了巨大的经济负担。需要更多地关注将足病管理纳入初级保健系统并测试具有成本效益的解决方案，以保护最脆弱的人群。