Ex-leprosy patients empowerment for improving living quality through empirical rational strategy in Makassar 2018.

Leprosy is still a public health problem in Indonesia. The impact is complex including medical, social, economic, cultural and security aspects. This study aimed to determine the formulation of a rational empirical strategy consisting of attitudes, life skills, work, economics, motivation and self-confidence, the implementation of empirical strategies and evaluation of rational empirical strategies for ex-leprosy in Makassar. This research used qualitative approach. Research side was on Jalan Dangko Makassar which is a leprosy village. Key informants included the Chairperson of the RW (sub-village) while the usual informants were lepers.

This reserach showed by looking at the formulation of rational empirical strategies including attitudes of life skills, work skills, economics, motivation and self-confidence of former lepers. In the implementation phase of a rational empirical strategy, researchers teach them to make various kinds of handicrafts and in the evaluation stage of rational empirical strategies, researchers try to market these items either directly or through social media applications. Cross-sector studies are needed to provide a more comprehensive approach to strenghten their empowerment.