A Student-Led Mentorship Intervention to Enhance Podoconiosis Management Among Healthcare Workers and Village Health Teams in Western Uganda

Abstract

Podoconiosis is a neglected tropical, nonfilarial lymphedema resulting from prolonged barefoot exposure to irritant volcanic soils. Uganda is among the affected countries, with Kamwenge District documented as endemic. Persistent gaps in knowledge, prevention practices, and access to care contribute to a sustained disease burden. A multidisciplinary team from Mbarara University of Science and Technology conducted a three-day community-based situation analysis and mentorship program in Kamwenge District from October 3 to October 7, 2022. The team included undergraduate and postgraduate trainees in medical laboratory sciences, medicine, nursing, public health, and dermatology under faculty supervision. Following approval from district authorities, 50 community participants were engaged: 30 podoconiosis patients, 12 Village Health Team (VHT) members, five local council leaders, and seven patient caretakers. Activities included free clinical consultations, structured health education, psychosocial counseling, and hands-on demonstrations of limb hygiene, bandaging, appropriate footwear use, and the application of topical antibacterial or antifungal creams. Substantial knowledge gaps related to podoconiosis causation, prevention, and long-term management were identified among both patients and VHTs. Patients described significant stigma, chronic pain, and functional disability, which were also directly observed during mentorship interactions. Practical demonstrations of limb hygiene and bandaging techniques were positively received, and VHTs expressed strong willingness to integrate these practices into routine community follow-up. However, resource limitations, particularly inadequate footwear and medical supplies, emerged as major barriers to sustained self-care. Podoconiosis remains preventable through proper foot hygiene, sustained health education, use of protective footwear, and community empowerment. However, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist in endemic areas of Kamwenge District. The use of multidisciplinary, community-engaged mentorship models can enhance capacity for early detection, self-care, and stigma reduction. Larger district-wide studies are warranted to better characterize the epidemiology and guide sustainable interventions.