Publication:

Quality of life assessment among leprosy patients residing at leprosy home in a district of Eastern Odisha: a cross-sectional study

Background Leprosy remains a significant public health concern in India, contributing substantially to disability, stigma, and impaired quality of life (QoL), despite its elimination as a public health problem. Persons affected by leprosy often experience long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences, particularly those with visible disabilities. This study aimed to assess the quality of life and patterns of disability among leprosy-affected persons residing in a leprosy care and rehabilitation centre in a district of Eastern Odisha.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2024 among 80 adult leprosy patients residing at the Leprosy Care and Rehabilitation Centre, Cuttack, using universal sampling. Sociodemographic details and disability grades were recorded. QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Domain-wise transformed scores were calculated, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results Of the 80 participants, 64% were male and the mean age was 56.6±18.2 years. A majority (87%) had Grade 2 disability. The lowest QoL scores were observed in the social and psychological domains. Overall, 62% of participants rated their quality of life as poor or very poor. Male gender, younger age, higher education, better socioeconomic status, unmarried status, and contact with family were significantly associated with better QoL in one or more domains.

Conclusions Leprosy continues to severely compromise quality of life, particularly in the social and psychological domains, among affected individuals in Eastern Odisha. Comprehensive rehabilitation, stigma reduction, psychosocial support, and family-centered interventions are essential alongside medical management to improve overall well-being.