Self-Efficacy: A Major Contributor to Improved Quality of Life in a Patient Undergoing Complete Decongestive Therapy for Filarial Lymphedema: A Case Study

Filarial lymphoedema is a tropical parasitic worm illness caused mostly by Wuchereria bancrofti. It poses a significant burden in India, accounting to 39% of the global cases. We present a case of a 32-year-old male with lymphatic filariasis for 9 years. Massive disfiguring lymphedema of his lower leg caused difficulty in ambulation and reduced social participation. The patient received complete decongestive therapy (CDT) in an outpatient setting. Interventions included manual lymphatic drainage, multi-layered compression bandaging, aerobic exercise, electrical stimulation, and exercises with elevation to reduce the excess volume of the limb. A 19-day physical therapy program over 14 weeks led to significant improvement in reducing limb volume, enhancing limb shape, increasing functional capacity, and improving the overall quality of life even emphasizing the impact of self-management after discharge. Key words: Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), LF-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (LFSQQ), Dermatology life quality index (DLQI), Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), Multi-layer lymphatic bandaging (MLLB), Home exercise program (HEP).