Disability prevention in leprosy using a self-care manual for patients

Abstract

Leprosy is an infectious disease of slow evolution, manifested by dermatoneurological signs and symptoms, with skin and peripheral nerve injuries. The aim of this study was to assess physical and functional status of eyes, hands and feet of patients with leprosy, as well as to assess evolution of sensory-motor disabilities, degree of disability and quality of life, having specially produced and handed the patients an illustrated self-care manual for preventing disability. Twenty-six patients with leprosy were assessed initially and after 12 months of using the manual as to: skin inspection, peripheral nerves palpation, corneal sensitivity, skin sensitivity, limb muscle function, hand muscle strength (finger grip and pinch strength); the disability degree was determined and patients answered the SF-36 questionnaire. Most affected nerves were the ulnar and posterior tibial ones. Results showed that, though the degree of disability and deformities persisted, there were significant improvements in SF-36 social aspects and pain domains, as well as improvements in skin dryness and hands and feet muscle function. Since the latter are directly related to self-care, this suggests that the self-care manual may have an important supporting role in relieving symptoms of patients with leprosy.