02322nas a2200241   4500000000100000008004100001260004300042653001100085653000800096653001800104653001300122653001300135100001300148700001900161700001500180700001400195700001400209245010800223856010400331300001100435520160900446022002502055       2026                            d  c05/2026bOxford University Press (OUP)10aStigma10aQoL10aMental Health10aEthiopia10a leprosy1 aChala TK1 aGarsleitner ES1 aFroeschl G1 aGudina EK1 aAdorjan K00aQuality of life, stigma, and mental health, in individuals affected by leprosy: a cross-sectional study  uhttps://academic.oup.com/trstmh/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/trstmh/trag064/68419490/trag064.pdf  a1 - 133 a<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>
  a0035-9203, 1878-3503