The triple burden of leprosy: A cross-sectional study on stigma, mental health, and quality of life in Egypt

Objective Leprosy is a lifelong infectious condition that has detrimental physical, psychological, and social implications. Despite meeting the WHO’s elimination target, leprosy continues to impact patients’ lives profoundly in Egypt. The purpose of the research was to measure the quality of life (QoL), mental health status, and perceived stigma among leprosy patients and explore the relationships between these variables. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 leprosy patients attending Kafr Elsheikh Dermatology & Leprosy Hospital. Data were collected using standardised tools, including the WHOQOL-BREF, DASS-21, and 6-Item Stigmatisation Scale. Results The study revealed poor quality of life (mean total QoL score: 48.34 ± 8.34) and high levels of psychological distress, with 56% of patients experiencing moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Severe stigmatization was reported by 54% of participants. A significant negative correlation was demonstrated between QoL and mental health status (r = −0.452, p < 0.001). Unexpectedly, perceived stigma showed a positive correlation with QoL (r = 0.374, p < 0.001). Conclusions Leprosy has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and mental health, emphasizing the importance of integrated treatment approaches that address both the clinical and psychological aspects of the disease. These findings highlight the relevance of holistic care in enhancing patients’ overall well-being and reducing stigma.