Quality of life of people treated for leprosy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of people treated for leprosy and residents of the social area of the Lauro de Souza Lima Institute. Material and Methods: The quantitative analysis was performed by descriptive statistics and chi-square test; Qualitative analysis was performed with the Focus Group Technique. Results: The sample consisted of 36 residents and the evaluation instrument used was the shortened version of the World Health Organization Quality Of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), divided into four areas. The results on the satisfaction of QOL were assessed in four areas: 1 physical, addressed the pain and rehabilitation, energy, mobility, functional and labor capacities. The result was 33.3 to 52.7%; 2 psychological, evaluated the meaning of life, concentration, physical appearance, self-satisfaction and negative feelings. Responses ranged from 33.3 to 68.3%; 3 social relationships. Results ranged from 47.2 to 68.3%; 4 environment, evaluated safety, physical environment, money, information, leisure activities, housing, transportation and health services. Results were between 30.5 and 77.7%. Most issues were statistically significant (p <0.05) in the four areas. The focus group interview technique confirmed the previously obtained results. Conclusion: Although the study participants had physical limitations, the WHOQOL-BREF and the focus group interview techinique were both good, surprising the researchers, who thus recommend the use of QOL instruments that will enable comparisons with people with similar profiles who live in other Ex-Asylum areas.