The Impact of Leprosy on Quality of Life of Patients and Their Families

Abstract

AbstractBackground Hansen's disease (HD), often known as leprosy, is a bacterial disease with a long history that is still prevalent today. This infection can manifest in a number of different ways, causing damage to peripheral nerves, skin, and testes. The functional activity limitations (FALs) caused by leprosy are well understood. Physical and mental well-being, autonomy, social connections, perspectives, and the natural setting all contribute to one's QoL. Aim to measure how leprosy affects patients' and their families quality of Life. Subject and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 patients and their families. All of them were recruited from Dermatology, Venereology & Andrology Department Outpatient Clinics, Al-Azhar University Hospitals (Damietta), and Dermatology and Leprosy Hospitals in Tanta and Damietta. The quality of life of leprosy patients was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Results There was a significant relationship among (DLQI) result of patients and different lesion sites except for mucous lesions. Regarding family questionnaire, participants reported to be sympathetic were the highest percent in Feeling to see leprosy patient and in Feeling to have a leprosy family member. Conclusion Disability is the most important element in determining how severely leprosy affects quality of life. Therefore, there is still a need to raise awareness about lepromatous leprosy and its effects on patients' quality of life and the general public's understanding of the disease.