Effect of hope, spirituality and social support on quality of life among people affected by leprosy in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

Introduction and objectives: Quality of Life (QoL) significantly correlates with hope, spirituality and social support. However, we notice a lack of studies which examine this relationship in people affected by leprosy. This study examines the effect of hope, spirituality and social support on the QoL of people affected in Indonesia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at 14 healthcare centers in Sampang District, resulting in 345 participants in this study. The Herth Hope Index, Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version were used to measure hope, spirituality, social support and quality of life, respectively. Data were analysed using a multiple linear regression model that estimated the factors of QoL.

Results: Amongst people affected by leprosy, a higher score of hope correlated significantly with a higher QoL score (𝛽 = 0.51; CI = 0.16 to 0.85). Similarly, spirituality (𝛽 = 0.65; CI = 0.54 to 0.77) and social support (𝛽 = 0.61; CI = 0.49 to 0.74), were both associated with better QoL scores, after controlling for confounding factors including age, gender, education, marital status, monthly income, and operational classification of leprosy. Statistically, a significant correlation was recorded between hope, spirituality and social support, and quality of life.

Conclusion: Hope, social support, and spirituality were positively related to QoL among people affected by leprosy in Indonesia. Efforts to encourage hope, spirituality and social support, might enhance the quality of life of those affected.