LEPROSY-RELATED DISABILITY AND PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING OFLEPROSY-AFFECTED PERSONS AS PERCEIVED BY RESIDENTS IN OYO,OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Authors

  • I. O. Oguntunji Department of Human Kinetics & Health Education, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo State Author
  • M. T. Ogunsola Department of Human Kinetics & Health Education, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo State Author
  • J. O. Adigun Department of Educational Foundation, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State Author
  • A. A. Ojo Primary Health Care Department, Ogbomoso South Local Government Health Authority, Ogbomoso, Oyo State Author
  • F. Y. Oguntunji Department of Public Health, Atiba University, Oyo, Oyo State Author
  • A. A. Salaudeen Department of Public Health (Community Health), Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Author

Keywords:

Leprosy, Disability, Psychosocial, Well-being, Leprosy-affected persons

Abstract

The study investigated leprosy-related disabilities and psychosocial well-being of leprosy-affected persons as
perceived by residents in Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design of the survey type was used. The
population for the study comprised all residents in Ward 8 of Atiba Local Government, Oyo, Oyo State. A
validated structured questionnaire was used for data gathering. The reliability coefficient of 0.77 was obtained
using the split-half method and Cronbach’s alpha. All the null hypotheses were tested using Pearson ProductMoment Correlation. The study revealed that leprosy-related disability had a significant correlation with
psychological well-being (r = 0.733, p < .05), social well-being (r = 0.840, p < .05) and marital well-being (r =
0.781, p < .05) of leprosy-affected persons as perceived by people in Oyo, Oyo State. It was recommended that
there is a need for the engagement of health personnel in community mental health education, as this may reduce
the psychological distress experienced by affected individuals. There is a need for a community engagement
meeting and sensitisation on positive roles expected from relatives and community members towards leprosyaffected persons. Also, there is a need for the engagement of religious and community leaders on ways to stabilise
homes of leprosy–affected persons through dialogues and mutual interactions.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-26

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles