The Quality of Life of Leprosy Patients in Dermatovenereology Polyclinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta: Study on Social Stigma

Abstract

Leprosy is a skin disease that has physical and psychosocial effects. Until now there are still many new cases of leprosy in Indonesia. Various causative factors include late diagnosis, patient not complaining about the illness, or similarities with other skin disorders. Eradication of leprosy is difficult especially due to the stigma of leprosy, both self and social, which can cause a decrease in quality of life. This study uses a mixed research design, quantitatively by filling in the Indonesian language DLQI questionnaire, followed by qualitative research through in-depth interviews with four subjects. Of the 40 subjects, the highest DLQI score range was between 11-20, which means that leprosy has a major influence on the subject’s life. Based on statistical tests, there was no significant association between DLQI scores and gender, age group, leprosy type, or occupation. The level of education has a statistically significant association with the DLQI score (p = 0.031). Based on in-depth interviews, leprosy was found to have an impact on subject’s education and work activities, as well as psychological effects due to the stigma caused. The use of instruments such as DLQI can quantitatively measure the quality of life of leprosy patients. In-depth interviews were conducted to assess psychological aspects that cannot be measured by using questionnaires. The data obtained can be used as a basis in giving counseling to leprosy patients