Abstract
Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. If not detected early and treated adequately, it leads to disabilities and deformities, in turn leading to social stigma and discrimination. Hence, leprosy has an impact on the Quality of Life (QoL) of the affected. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Dermatology Department and Leprosorium Hospital. A total of 164 leprosy patients were assessed for QoL with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Results: Among the total of 164 patients, leprosy had no effect on the QoL of 14 (8.54%) patients, a small effect on the QoL of 34 (20.73%) patients, a moderate effect on the QoL of 47 (28.66%) patients, a large effect on the QoL of 64 (39.02%) patients, and an extremely large effect on the QoL of 5 (3.05%) patients. Among the demographic variables, age, occupation, and socioeconomic status had an impact on the QoL of patients with leprosy. Conclusion: Leprosy is an ancient disease and continues to be the most feared due to deformities and the social stigma associated with it. The clinical spectrum, reactions, deformities, and disability have a profound impact on the QoL of patients with leprosy. Key words: Leprosy; DLQI questionnaire; Quality of life
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