Higher educational status, staying in joint family and early treatment initiation improves quality of life in leprosy: Experiences from and observational study at a tertiary centre in Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease with various risks of permanent and

progressive disabilities as well as deformities. This can lead to social stigma and

discrimination.

Methodology

A cross sectional institution based study was conducted among the patient of a

leprosy clinic in a tertiary care center. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used

after taking consent from each study individual.

Results

Majority (69.8%) of the patients was male and 41.3% of the study population

belonged to below poverty line. Majority (85.7%) of the study population were

suffering from multi-bacillary type of leprosy. Though Majority (96.8%) of the

patients was receiving MDT (multi drug therapy) regularly but still 33.33% of

them were leading a poor quality of life. It has been seen that literacy, family

type and time gap between starting of symptoms and initiation of treatment

were significantly associated with quality of life.

Discussion

Different previous studies showed QOL (quality of life) was associated with factors like SES (socio economic

status), literacy and male gender, the present study revealed higher literacy, staying in the joint family and

early treatment initiation helped to improve the QOL.

Conclusion

Better QOL was associated with higher educational status, good family support and early initiation of

treatment among the leprosy patients.