PS74 Psychosocial needs among participants of a leprosy support group: a qualitative study

Abstract

Leprosy is a curable disease. Multidrug therapy has proved to be highly effective in eliminating the infection produced by Mycobacterium leprae or by Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Nevertheless, stigma remains, mostly associated with irremediable deformities and cultural and religious beliefs. Exposing the psychological and social burden of this disease is important to draw attention to it. This study seeks to identify the psychosocial needs of people diagnosed with leprosy. A qualitative study was conducted based on the minutes of meetings of a support group for patients diagnosed with leprosy. An inductive thematic analysis was performed using the system proposed by Braun and Clarke, through Delve, a computer program for qualitative data analysis. The major themes that emerged from the data were (i) lack of knowledge regarding the disease, (ii) the importance of family support and (iii) the conflict between isolation and secrecy for fear of rejection and the need for connection, often linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. The results highlight the need to implement strategies to promote a comprehensive approach to treating people diagnosed with leprosy, in order to contribute to their general wellbeing. The inclusion of education about the disease, family orientation, social skills training and psychotherapy services could accompany medical assistance, to ensure a holistic intervention based on the person, not on the infectious agent.