Study of anxiety in patients with leprosy in the context of current integrated scenario

Pages: 784-788
A.K. Yaduvanshi (Department of Psychology, St. Johns College, Agra)
A. Abraham (Department of Psychology, Scottish Church College, Kolkata)
S. Jain (Department of Statistics and Computer Science, St. Johns College, Agra)
S. Tomar (Department of Sociology, S.N. Medical College, Agra)

Leprosy is a medical problem as well as social problem because it creates lots of psychosocial and economical problems. In the present study an attempt was made to measure anxiety in patients with leprosy in Agra and Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The sample (N=300) consisted of 150 male and 150 female patients with leprosy from each districts between age ranged 18-60 years. Anxiety score of the study was obtained with the help of anxiety scale administered after establishment of rapport in the clinical setup with leprosy patients. Analysis of the data was made by computing mean, standard deviation, t-test and chi-square test for statistical significance. Result indicated that male patient with leprosy had significantly higher anxiety than female patients with leprosy. It was seen that 45.33% of the male and 36.66% of the female patients were suffering from anxiety. Majority of the patients with leprosy come from poor socio-economic background. The findings of this study emphasize the importance and need of intervention on economic rehabilitation for patients with leprosy. A supportive approach with reassurance is quite effective for the patients and it is suggested that relaxation techniques and psychotherapy is essential for leprosy patients suffering with anxiety.