In:
The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, SAGE Publications, Vol. 49, No. 3 ( 2015-04), p. 176-186
Abstract:
Leprosy subjects are strongly affected not only by physical issues such as peripheral neuropathy but also by massive social exclusion that may be related to quality of life (QoL) impairment. However, there are as yet no studies evaluating the impact of perceived stigma in conjunction with neuropathy on QoL and the respective role of each one on QoL. Objective The present study aims to investigate the variations in clinical and socio-demographic profile of Hansen’s disease patients with/without perception of social exclusion (PSE) and neuropathy as the impact of both conditions on their QoL. Methods A sample of 160 consecutive leprosy outpatients seeking treatment in two reference centers for leprosy in Brazil was recruited. Patients were assessed using a socio-demographic questionnaire, M.I.N.I. PLUS and SF-36. Data from medical records were also collected. Participants were divided into four groups: control group, perceived stigma, neuropathy, and stigma neuropathy. Results Of the 160 patients who consented to participate, 78.75% completed the survey. All four groups were similar in terms of demographic parameters, except for occupational status, which was compensated statistically. The group with neuropathy and PSE reported the worst QoL in half of the evaluated domains. The cross-sectional design does not allow cause and effect to be established between variables, and the relatively small sample size may limit the ability to demonstrate a relative decrease in QoL scores from the isolated variables analyzed. Conclusions The results of this survey show that the presence of both neuropathy and PSE significantly increases impairment in QoL, especially in some specific domains.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0091-2174
,
1541-3527
DOI:
10.1177/0091217415582173
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2071478-6
SSG:
5,2
Bookmarklink