Quality of Life in Patients with Leprosy using WHOQoL-Bref Questionnaire: A Pilot Study

Quality of life (QoL) is a subjective measure which includes physical, psychological and social health and its relationship with the environment. Leprosy results in progressive damage to peripheral nerves in untreated or inadequately treated patients leading to nerve impairment and visible disabilities which may affect the quality of life. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre among patients with leprosy over a period of six months, and quality of life status was evaluated using the WHOQoL Bref questionnaire based on four domains, namely physical, psychological, social and environmental. A total of 50 patients (males: females - 36:14) in the age group of 19-69 years were evaluated. Most patients (64%) belonged to the borderline tuberculoid spectrum. Patients with a disability accounted for 16% (8 out of 50) of the total cases. The psychological domain was the most commonly affected domain among patients. Females had lower scores than males in all domains. Elderly patients, patients with lepromatous leprosy and those with facial involvement had lower scores. Domain outcomes in lepra reactions were lower than in other types of leprosy. The study observed that leprosy in the ageing population, women and patients with severe forms of leprosy, associated with disabilities, have poorer quality of life.