@article{103630,
  keywords = {Stigma, QoL, Mental Health, Ethiopia,  leprosy},
  author = {Chala TK and Garsleitner ES and Froeschl G and Gudina EK and Adorjan K},
  title = {Quality of life, stigma, and mental health, in individuals affected by leprosy: a cross-sectional study},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background</strong></p>

<p>Leprosy rarely causes death but leads to disfigurement, stigma, and disability, resulting in socioeconomic consequences. Understanding these inter-related factors is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to assess QoL and mental health among individuals affected by leprosy and to examine identify QoL predictors.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban leprosy rehabilitation centres in Ethiopia. A total of 370 individuals were enrolled. Correlation and multivariable regression analyses were used to examine associations and identify predictors of QoL.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Participants were predominantly male (54.1%) and aged ≥61 years (42.8%). Most had no education (57.3%), while only 4.3% had secondary education or above; one-half were married. Poor living conditions were reported in 84.05% of participants, while delayed diagnosis (≥2 years after symptom onset) was observed in 53% of cases. The median social relationship QoL score was 7 (IQR 5–9), while that for overall QoL was 61 (IQR 56–68). Median sleep score was 8 (IQR 6–11). Stigma correlated positively with anxiety (r = 0.206) and depression (r = 0.269) and negatively with QoL (r = −0.251). Anxiety and depression were strongly correlated (r = 0.794, P &amp;lt; .001).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>

<p>Stigma, psychological distress and poor sleep impair QoL among people affected by leprosy, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary interventions.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene},
  pages = {1 - 13},
  month = {05/2026},
  publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)},
  issn = {0035-9203, 1878-3503},
  url = {https://academic.oup.com/trstmh/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/trstmh/trag064/68419490/trag064.pdf},
  doi = {10.1093/trstmh/trag064},
  language = {ENG},
}