Relationship between Psychological Problems and Quality of Life among Leprosy Patients

Abstract

Context: Depression and anxiety are most prevalent in patients with leprosy, impacting patients' quality of life.
Aim: This study aimed to assess psychological problems and quality of life among leprosy patients and investigate the relationship between psychological problems and quality of life among leprosy patients.
Methods: A Descriptive correlational design was utilized to fulfill the aim of this study. The study was conducted at the Dermatology & Leprosy clinic in Benha City, Kaluobia Governorate, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Health. A descriptive study among 100 leprosy patients was recruited consecutively from dermatology and leprosy outpatient. Three tools were used to achieve the aim of this study. A structured Interviewing schedule, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF Questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS).
Results: The majority of the studied patients had a low level of quality of life; also, two-thirds had a moderate level of depression, and about two-thirds of them had a severe level of anxiety, while the majority of them had a moderate level of stress; also, more than half of them had a severe level of total DASS. Also, a statistically significant negative correlation between the total quality of life and total DASS among the studied patient with leprosy at p-value =<0.05.
Conclusion: leprosy patients have a low level of quality of life and have a high prevalence of psychological problems present with moderate to severe levels of total depression, anxiety, and stress, which impact their quality of life. The study recommended that continuous counseling and health education for leprosy patients avoid or minimize the psychological problems and improve their quality of life. Psycho-educational program to improve psychological wellbeing and quality of life of leprosy patients.