Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Quality of life among leprosy affected persons: A study in a rural block in Tamil Nadu, India

4^th International Congress on Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases

May 16-18, 2016 San Antonio, USA

G Dinesh Kumar

SRM University, India

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Background: Among communicable diseases, leprosy remains a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy and disability in the world, in spite of the extensive efforts to reduce the disease burden. Objectives: To estimate the quality of life and the factors influencing quality of life among people affected by leprosy in leprosy settlements of Chengalpet taluk. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted at leprosy settlements of Chengalpet taluk. A total of 247 leprosy affected persons participated in the study. House to house interview was conducted using a predesigned, pre tested questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: The mean domain scores of the various domains were computed and it was, physical domain 20.55 ± 3.9, psychological domain 16.16 ± 2.9, social relationship domain 8.16 ± 2.08 and environment domain was 24.34 ± 3.9. The overall quality of life score was calculated and was found to be 69.21 ± 9.9. Quality of life scores among males was more than that of the females in the various domains, although no statistical significance was observed. On assessing the overall quality of life it was found that age, educational status, income, occupation, marital status, disease duration and the disability had significance on the quality of life leprosy affected persons. Conclusion: The socio demographic variables like young age, education, having an occupation and being married had positive influence on the overall quality of life domain. Care after cure should be an integral component in leprosy.

Biography :

G Dinesh Kumar has completed his MBBS from Meenakshi University followed by MD in Community Medicine at SRM University, Tamil Nadu, India. He is presently working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Community Medicine, SRM University, India. He has a keen interest in Epidemiology and research.

Email: drgdineshkumar@gmail.com