Introduction
Quality of life (QoL) is a broad concept that has become more important during the last decades. Despite this fact, few studies have been conducted to evaluate leprosy patients, none of which has specifically addressed patients with leprosy sequels submitted to home care.
Purpose
To evaluate the QoL of leprosy sequel bearers and the factors that may affect their perception of their condition.
Methods
WHOQoL-BREF, a questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization, was administered to 32 people living in the coverage area of a former leprosarium. Patient socio-demographic and care-related caregiver data were collected. Activities of daily living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scales were used to evaluate autonomy. Mini-Mental Status Examination was used to evaluate cognitive status. Simple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS Statistical Software and the non-standardized beta values were presented.
Results
The patients were mainly female, widowed, elderly, with bone sequels; all had impairment of at least one Instrumental Daily Living Activity. QoL scores were 12.35 in a 4–20 scale (52.18 %) in the physical domain, 12.95 (55.94 %) in the psychological health domain, 13.18 (57.40 %) in the environment domain, and 16.09 (75.56 %) in the social domain. Univariate analysis suggests that instrumental daily activity “capacity of shopping,” marital status, and caregiver age were associated with self-perceived QoL. Data were also compared to those from other studies.
Conclusion
Individuals affected by leprosy had low QoL scores in the physical and psychological health domains and high scores in the social domain. The factors that impact their QoL seem to be related to specific conditions found in the leprosarium and the previous isolation practices.
