A Cross sectional study on Quality of Life among Leprosy affected persons in Hyderabad.

Authors

  • A Durga ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad
  • Adarsh Kumar K ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ycqdyq32

Keywords:

Quality of Life, Leprosy, Tropical diseases, WHOQOL-BREF

Abstract

Background: Leprosy, a socially stigmatising disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is a chronic infectious disease mainly affecting the skin and the peripheral nerves. Because of the stigma which is due to lack of knowledge regarding the disease transmission and the disfigurement that is caused, there is an impact on the quality of life in various aspects including employment, marriage and social status.

Objectives:

1)To assess the quality of life among leprosy affected persons in Hyderabad.

2)To determine the factors influencing the quality of life among the study subjects.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 125 leprosy affected persons in a Rehabilitation Home in Hyderabad during August and September 2023 . A semistructured questionnaire was used for assessing the sociodemographic factors. With informed consent, Quality of Life was assessed using predesigned WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire which has four domains including physical health, psychological, social relationship and environment. Data was entered and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Epi Info version 7.2.2.6.

Results: The mean age of the study population was 48.32+16.16. 56% of them were males and 44% were females. The mean scores of all four domains were computed and it was, physical health domain 53.83+12.35 , psychological domain 43.54+18.72, social relationship domain 55.28+24.9 and environment domain 51.1+12.46.The mean score of various domains among males was better than that of the females. On assessing the overall quality of life it was found that age, marital status, employment and disease duration are influencing the quality of life among leprosy affected persons.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment can avert the deformities and disabilities in such persons and can improve their quality of life. Care after cure is a must in leprosy.

Author Biographies

  • A Durga, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad

    Assistant Professor Department of Community Medicine

  • Adarsh Kumar K, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad

    Assistant Professor, Department of ENT

References

World health Organization factsheet on Leprosy, updated on 10 October 2019.[cited 2021 Oct 20].

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Stigma Related to Leprosy – A Scientific View. International Textbook of Leprosy. 2016 [cited 2021 Oct 20].

WHO | WHOQOL: Measuring Quality of Life. WHO. World Health Organization; [cited 2021 Oct 20].

Joseph GA, Rao PS. Impact of leprosy on the quality of life. Bull World Health Organ. 1999 [cited 2021 Oct 20];77(6):515–7.

Govindharaj P, Srinivasan SK, Darlong J. Quality of Life of People Affected with Leprosy Disability Living in Purulia, West Bengal. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research. 2018 Feb 1;8:221–5.

Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) | CDC [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Oct 20].

Dinesh G, John KR, Logaraj M. An assessment of quality of life among leprosy affected persons residing in leprosy settlements of Chengalpet Taluk, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.Natl J Res Community Med. 2016;5:149–54.

National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). Strategic Framework for Reduction of Stigma and Discrimination.[cited 2021 Oct 20]

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Published

2024-09-20

How to Cite

A Cross sectional study on Quality of Life among Leprosy affected persons in Hyderabad. (2024). Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 15(4), 30-34. https://doi.org/10.37506/ycqdyq32