02363nas a2200229   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002800054653002100082653002000103653001700123653001800140653002400158100001500182700001300197700001200210700001300222700001200235245010900247520176300356022001402119       2024                            d  c01/202410aleprosy-affected people10aPerceived stigma10aQuality of Life10atask sharing10aTask shifting10aTreatment adherence1 aPratibha P1 aKavita K1 aMehta H1 aNarang T1 aSingh S00aTask sharing for the management of leprosy by nurses in a tertiary healthcare setting of Northern India.3 a<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing leprosy due to a shortage of dermatologists and other healthcare professionals.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 100 leprosy patients were divided into experimental (n=50) and control groups (n=50). The intervention included face-to-face counseling by a trained nurse, motivational videos and exercise demonstrations. The control group received standard care. The primary outcome of interest was treatment adherence (Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale); other assessed outcomes included changes in perceived stigma (Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item) and quality of life (WHO QOL-BREF Scale) from baseline to week 8.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention group had better treatment adherence (p&lt;0.001). At baseline, moderately severe and severe depression prevalence was 18% and 28%, respectively, and anxiety was 25%, with no intergroup differences. Anxiety significantly decreased in the intervention group (p&lt;0.001), but depression remained similar (p=0.291). Perceived stigma improved notably, especially in disclosure of concern (p&lt;0.001), internal stigma (p&lt;0.001) and anticipated stigma (p&lt;0.001). Quality of life scores improved in the intervention group vs controls.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nurse-led interventions effectively enhanced quality of life and treatment adherence and reduced anxiety, depression and perceived stigma among leprosy patients. The study recommends strengthening the capacity of nurses for active involvement in leprosy care.</p>
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