Muluken Mussie Bibbiso

Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Lived Experiences of People Living with Podoconiosis in Southern Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study

Biography

Muluken Mussie Bibbiso is an Ethiopian public health researcher, lecturer, and health promotion specialist at Wolaita Sodo University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Wolkite University and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Promotion and Behavior from Jimma University. His research focuses on health promotion, behavioral sciences, infectious diseases, mental health, neglected tropical diseases, and community health interventions.

Bibbiso has authored and co-authored several influential studies, including Poor Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Follow-up Patients in Southwest Ethiopia (2026), Lived Experience of People Living with Podoconiosis in Southern Ethiopia (2025), Barriers and Facilitators to Uptake of Trachomatous Trichiasis Surgery in Jimma Zone (2023), Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Female University Students (2023), and Perceptions, Preparedness, and Anticipated Challenges of Healthcare Workers and Communities for Potential Marburg Virus Outbreaks in South Omo, Southern Ethiopia (2026). His work contributes significantly to evidence-based public health practice and disease prevention efforts in Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Podoconiosis is a neglected tropical disease causing non-filarial lower-leg lymphedema due to prolonged exposure to irritant red-clay soil. Ethiopia bears the highest global burden, yet the lived experiences of affected individuals remain underexplored. This study examines the social, physical, and psychological realities of people living with podoconiosis in Southern Ethiopia, aiming to inform more responsive and inclusive health systems.

Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological design was employed in Sodo Zuriya district, Wolaita zone. Fourteen participants were purposively selected, and in-depth interviews were conducted in the local language. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed using Atlas.ti (version 7.5.16). A thematic analysis approach guided interpretation.

Results: Six major themes emerged: perceived causes, socio-economic impact, physical health experiences, psychological distress, healthcare experiences, and coping strategies. Participants attributed the disease to multiple causes, including heredity, barefoot exposure, witchcraft, and divine punishment. The condition severely limited mobility and was associated with pain, wounds, and odor. Social consequences included stigma, exclusion, and strained family relationships, often leading to isolation and hopelessness. Economic hardship was common due to reduced work capacity. Psychological distress, including shame and fear, was widely reported. Coping mechanisms included social support, use of traditional remedies, and foot hygiene practices.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the multidimensional burden of podoconiosis and underscore the need for integrated, people-centered care. Health systems should strengthen services that combine clinical management with psychosocial support and community-based reintegration, while addressing stigma and improving awareness to enhance equity and dignity for affected populations.