A Cross-sectional Study to Assess the Mental Health Status of Leprosy - Affected Persons in Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that not only affects the physical health of a person but also has profound emotional and psychological effects which adversely affect their mental health. The insights gathered from this study will aid in addressing the challenges faced by leprosy patients and in creating effective strategies to enhance their mental health. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of mental health disorders among leprosy-affected individuals and to identify the factors that impact their mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted among leprosy-affected individuals aged 18 years and older who were receiving treatment at the Sivananda Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad from April to August 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 200 individuals. This questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic factors, degree of physical deformity, and family support, as well as mental health status, which was assessed using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale). The mean age of leprosy-affected individuals was 44.1 ± 14.8 years old. 53% of the patients were illiterate. The prevalence of depression, Anxiety and Stress in leprosy-affected individuals was found to be 12.5%, 19% and 3%. Depression was associated with younger age and higher socioeconomic status while anxiety was associated with unemployment and whose family left after diagnosis. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals affected by leprosy