Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in People Affected by Leprosy: An Integrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66201/ss.v1.9Keywords:
Leprosy, Rehabilitation, People With Disabilities, Quality of Life, Social Stigma, Community RehabilitationAbstract
Background: Leprosy remains a global challenge due to its neurological sequelae and associated social stigma. Despite pharmacological treatments, disability affects 30% of newly diagnosed cases, making comprehensive rehabilitation an essential process for reintegration. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs in improving patients' quality of life.
Methods: An integrative review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 methodology, which included 11 studies published between 2020 and 2026 in databases such as PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO. Physical, psychosocial, and community interventions were analyzed using validated scales to measure quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), physical functioning (SALSA), and stigma (EMIC). The evidence analyzed presented a moderate risk of bias and was predominantly observational.
Results: In a sample of 1,555 participants from endemic countries, significant clinical improvements were observed. Quality of life increased by up to 14.6 points in the physical domain, while severe functional limitation decreased from 34.2% to 18.7%. Self-stigma decreased by 32%, and community-based programs showed a 78% sustainability rate at 12 months, surpassing hospital-based programs. The best outcomes were associated with patients under 45 years of age and early-initiation rehabilitation.
Conclusions: Comprehensive, multidisciplinary programs are effective in restoring functionality and social participation. A community-based approach and early intervention are crucial for therapeutic success. However, the nature of the studies limits the generalizability of the results, highlighting the need for randomized clinical trials to support public policies aligned with the World Health Organization's goal of “zero leprosy.”
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Copyright (c) 2026 Juliana Pereira Duarte, Gabriela Trierweiler, Juliara Tonini, Maria Luysa Dos Santos Tureta, Gislaine Miranda Ulrich, Victoria Carolina Spiguel Nazareth, Filgueira Cruz Sobrinho Edmundo, Andrea Paola Britos Gómez (Autor/a)
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