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-20 (SRQ-20). The sampling technique used purposive sampling, obtained 3 participants and allocated individually. Psychoeducational intervention provided through the description, discussion, sharing, chores and directly exercise through experiential learning approach, which consists of 5 sessions for 90 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.