Improving Self-Efficacy in Self-Care Practices for Ex-Leprosy Patients to Anticipate Increased Disability

Increased disability in people who have had leprosy may occur due to permanent nerve damage to the hands, feet, and eyes. Consistent self-care can prevent or minimize disability. This community service aims to increase self-efficacy and perform self-care consistently. A knowledge and motivation refresher was conducted for 20 people who had suffered from leprosy with varying degrees of disability. Self-efficacy and self-care activities were evaluated before and after the service activities. The results obtained under conditions that support the improvement of self-efficacy are not good. In the post-tests, there is an increase in all elements of self-care activities, especially the disappearance of odor from wounds, rough hands becoming cleaner and softer, and the use of footwear and gloves when working. Past experiences of successful self-care and support from peers, former leprosy sufferers, and family are drivers of increased self-efficacy in carrying out self-care consistently so that it is hoped that former leprosy sufferers can train themselves to care for themselves in their daily lives.