CORRELATION PERCEIVED STIGMA AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF LEPROSY PATIENTS

Background: One problem that hinders leprosy prevention efforts is the existence of stigma. Perceived stigma refers to the perceptions and subjective awareness of lepers of what the community thinks or do to themselves which can reduce quality of life (QOL). Objective: To analyse the correlation perceived stigma and QOL of leprosy patients. Research Methods: This study involved 30 leprosy patients. Baseline data were collected on the research sample, assessment of perceived stigma using EMIC questionnaire and QOL assessment using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The collected data is then processed and statistically analyzed used the Pearson correlation test. Results:This study found a significant correlation perceived stigma and QOL (p=0,011; r= -0,459). The demographic characteristics were highest in the age range of 18-39 years, male sex, high school education, income below the city minimum wage and married status. Most of them had perceived negative stigma. Covering illness from others and discussing their illness closest people are the dominant factor affecting perceived stigma. They had ordinary QOL subjectively, not satisfied to health condition, physical domain was the most affected by leprosy and had a good QOL. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation perceived stigma with QOL.