Psychoeducational intervention for improving mental health of leprosy patients

Background: Leprosy is a chronic disease that can cause disability as a result of nerve damage and causes complex problems. Stigma and association of psychosocial problems tends to occur and increases the risk of mental health disorders of the patients.Methods: This research approach is mixing method with AB design type (intervention only). Assessment was conducted by interviewing methods, knowledge tests about leprosy and instrument Self Reporting Questionnaire-۲۰ (SRQ-۲۰). The sampling technique used purposive sampling, obtained ۳ participants and allocated individually. Psychoeducational intervention provided through the description, discussion, sharing, chores and directly exercise through experiential learning approach, which consists of ۵ sessions for ۹۰ minutes and delivered every week.Results: The result showed psychoeducational intervention was effective for improving mental health, which marked by the decline of psychological distress symptoms after the intervention.Conclusion: This research suggests the follow-up session of the implementation from the interventions and psychoeducation material can be implemented as routine education in primary health centers for leprosy patients who experience psychological distress.

کلیدواژه ها:

Leprosy ، Mental Health ، Social Stigma