ABSTRACT
Background: Globally, leprosy is one of the most stigmatized diseases and this affects the quality of life of people living with the disease, yet research on this issue in Nigeria is scarce.
Objective: To understand the relationship between stigma and quality of life among people living with leprosy in Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 53 persons living with leprosy in Oke-Igbala and Ago-Ireti leprosy settlements in July, 2024 using a semi-structured tool to measure sociodemographic information, quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF, and stigma using the SARI Stigma Scale. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to examine the data; p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The quality of life or general well-being was very poor for 94.3% of the respondents. The prevalence of stigma was 60.4%. Significant associations were found between source of income and quality of life (p=0.036), occupation and stigma (p=0.010). No statistical association was found between stigma and quality of life (p=0.239).
Conclusion: Addressing the source of income and livelihood options of people living with leprosy may improve their quality of life. Future qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences may be beneficial to reduce stigma.
Keywords: Leprosy, Stigma, Quality of life, Nigeria