Contact with an infected person

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 56 views

Introduction

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the nerves, skin, and mucous membranes. It is a significant public health problem in many countries, including Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 208,619 new cases of leprosy worldwide in 2018. Indonesia ranked third with a prevalence of 0.70 cases per 10,000 population and the second level disability rate reached 4.22 per 1 million population. This study aims to identify factors related to the level of disability in lepers in Dr. Pirngadi Medan during the 2015 to 2019 period.

Background

Leprosy is a serious health problem that affects many countries around the world. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and can lead to significant disability if left untreated. The disease affects the nerves, skin, and mucous membranes, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin. If left untreated, leprosy can lead to permanent damage to the nerves and skin, resulting in disability.

Research Methodology

This study used an analytic type with cross-sectional design, which means data was collected at one point of time to evaluate the relationship between variables. The sample of this study involved the entire population of lepers registered at Dr. Pirngadi Medan during that period, which is 103 people. Data was obtained through existing medical records and analyzed using descriptive methods for univariate data and chi-square tests for bivariate data with a significance level set at 0.05.

Results

The results of the study showed a significant relationship between several factors and the level of disability of leprosy sufferers. Factors that have a significant effect include:

Leprosy type: The type of leprosy was found to have a significant effect on the level of disability. Patients with multibacillary leprosy were found to have a higher level of disability compared to those with paucibacillary leprosy.
Length of symptoms: The length of symptoms was also found to have a significant effect on the level of disability. Patients who had symptoms for a longer period were found to have a higher level of disability.
Length of illness: The length of illness was found to have a significant effect on the level of disability. Patients who had been ill for a longer period were found to have a higher level of disability.
Order in treatment: The order in treatment was found to have a significant effect on the level of disability. Patients who received treatment in the correct order were found to have a lower level of disability.

On the other hand, variables such as:

Age: Age was not found to have a significant relationship with the level of disability.
Sex: Sex was not found to have a significant relationship with the level of disability.
Education level: Education level was not found to have a significant relationship with the level of disability.
Marriage status: Marriage status was not found to have a significant relationship with the level of disability.
Contact history: Contact history was not found to have a significant relationship with the level of disability.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of regular treatment and early detection in preventing disability in lepers. The study found that patients who received treatment in the correct order and had a shorter length of symptoms and illness had a lower level of disability. These findings suggest that regular treatment and early detection are crucial in preventing disability in lepers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that several factors are related to the level of disability of leprosy sufferers in Dr. Pirngadi Regional Hospital in Medan in 2015-2019. The study highlights the importance of regular treatment and early detection in preventing disability in lepers. The findings of this study suggest that counseling to the public about the importance of regular treatment and early detection will help in reducing disability and increasing public awareness of leprosy.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular treatment: Leprosy sufferers should be more disciplined in undergoing treatment, as well as involving families or closest people as supervisors to take medication (PMO) to ensure that treatment is carried out properly.
Early detection: Health workers should play an important role in this disability prevention effort through early detection and proper treatment, including physiotherapy for lepers.
Public awareness: Counseling to the public about the importance of regular treatment and early detection will help in reducing disability and increasing public awareness of leprosy.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The study was conducted in a single hospital and the sample size was relatively small. Therefore, the findings of this study may not be generalizable to other populations. Additionally, the study only examined the relationship between several factors and the level of disability, and did not examine other potential factors that may be related to disability.

Future Research

Q: What is leprosy and how does it affect the body?

A: Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the nerves, skin, and mucous membranes. It can lead to significant disability if left untreated, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin.

Q: What are the risk factors for developing leprosy?

A: The risk factors for developing leprosy include:

Genetic predisposition: People with a family history of leprosy are more likely to develop the disease.
Age: Leprosy can affect people of any age, but it is more common in children and young adults.
Geographic location: Leprosy is more common in tropical and subtropical regions.
Contact with an infected person: People who have close contact with someone who has leprosy are more likely to develop the disease.

Q: What are the symptoms of leprosy?

A: The symptoms of leprosy can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling: Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Discoloration: Discoloration of the skin, particularly in the face, arms, and legs.
Skin lesions: Skin lesions or rashes.
Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness or paralysis.
Eye problems: Eye problems, such as blurred vision or blindness.

Q: How is leprosy diagnosed?

A: Leprosy is diagnosed through a combination of:

Medical history: A thorough medical history to determine the presence of symptoms.
Physical examination: A physical examination to check for signs of leprosy.
Skin scrapings: Skin scrapings to collect tissue samples for laboratory testing.
Biopsy: A biopsy to collect tissue samples for laboratory testing.

Q: What is the treatment for leprosy?

A: The treatment for leprosy typically involves:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics, such as rifampicin and clofazimine, to kill the bacteria that cause leprosy.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy to improve muscle strength and mobility.
Surgery: Surgery to repair damaged nerves or skin.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding close contact with others and practicing good hygiene.

Q: Can leprosy be prevented?

A: Yes, leprosy can be prevented through:

Vaccination: Vaccination against leprosy is not currently available, but research is ongoing.
Early detection: Early detection and treatment can prevent disability and complications.
Good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, can reduce the risk of transmission.
Avoiding close contact: Avoiding close contact with others who have leprosy can reduce the risk of transmission.

Q: What is the prognosis for people with leprosy?

A: The prognosis for people with leprosy depends on the type and severity of the disease, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. With early detection and treatment, most people with leprosy can lead normal lives. However, if left untreated, leprosy can lead to significant disability and complications.

Q: How can I get involved in leprosy prevention and treatment efforts?

A: There are several ways to get involved in leprosy prevention and treatment efforts, including:

Donating to organizations: Donating to organizations that work to prevent and treat leprosy.
Volunteering: Volunteering with organizations that work to prevent and treat leprosy.
Spreading awareness: Spreading awareness about leprosy and its prevention and treatment.
Supporting research: Supporting research into leprosy and its prevention and treatment.