@article{97774,
  keywords = {chronic, leprosy, limitation of activity, neuropathic pain, Quality of Life},
  author = {Silva S and de Souza S and Santana M and Domingos A and Martins N and de Paula H and Araujo H and Santos G and Martins-Filho P and Santos V},
  title = {Assessment of neuropathic pain, functional activity limitation and quality of life of people affected by leprosy in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study.},
  abstract = {<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>This study investigated the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) among people affected by leprosy and its effects on functional limitation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study of 122 leprosy patients. Functional limitation and HRQoL were assessed using the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) and WHO Quality-of-Life (WHOQoL-BREF) scales, respectively. Participants were assessed for the presence of pain and completed the Douleur Neuropathique 4 and the Brief Pain Inventory scales.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The prevalence of NP was 59%. Participants with NP had higher SALSA scores than those without pain (median; IQR: 42; 32-49.5 vs 27.5; 24-34; p=0.002). Increasing SALSA scores were related to decreasing WHOQoL-BREF scores in the physical (r=-0.54; p&lt;0.001), psychological (r=-0.33; p=0.002) and environmental (r=-0.22; p=0.01) domains, but not in the social domain (r=-0.14; p=0.10). Individuals with NP had the lowest scores in all domains compared with individuals without pain.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Appropriate tools and training of clinicians for diagnosing NP in leprosy patients are necessary for their appropriate management and better HRQoL outcomes.</p>
},
  year = {2023},
  journal = {Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene},
  month = {01/2023},
  issn = {1878-3503},
  doi = {10.1093/trstmh/trac133},
  language = {eng},
}