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Volume 12 Issue 1 (January- March) 2023

Original Articles

Judging the prevalence of depression and anxiety in subjects with leprosy and its correlation to stigma related to leprosy
Dr. Sajja Prakash

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease affecting the psychology of the affected subjects and has been linked to various psychiatric disorders and stigma in society. Aim: The present study aimed to judge the prevalence of depression and anxiety in subjects with leprosy and its correlation to stigma related to leprosy. Methods: The study assessed 59 subjects with leprosy admitted to the Institute. All included subjects were assessed using semi semi-structured schedule, SARI (stigma assessment and reduction of impact) stigma scale, and hospital anxiety and depression scale. The data gathered were statistically analyzed for result formulation. Results: Clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety were seen in (n=7) and (n=6) study subjects respectively where the subjects scored above the threshold value of the assessed scores. It was also seen that significant correlates of depression were stay duration at the center and leprosy-related stigma, whereas, significant correlates of anxiety were leprosy attribution to bad deeds and leprosy-related stigma. Conclusions: The present study concludes that a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety and its related symptoms is seen in subjects with leprosy compared to the general population. Leprosy-related stigma has a significant association with depression and anxiety in the subjects living with leprosy. The screening of leprosy subjects for mental health and related issues is vital during the management of subjects with leprosy and also implementation of various strategies is vital for reducing the stigma related to leprosy.

 
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