The Correlation Between Knowledge and Family Support for Self-Care of Leprosy Patients

Abstract

Leprosy is a contagious infectious disease that is still a health problem in Indonesia. Good knowledge about leprosy will greatly help families in dealing with leprosy problem. In besides to knowledge, family support is also needed for people with leprosy. The family will provide a sense of security and motivation. The purpose of this study is to knowing the relationship between knowledge and family support about self-care of people with leprosy. This research is descriptive observational with a cross sectional approach. The research was conducted at Kalumata Health Center of Ternate City in Jan-Feb 2024. The sample is 51 patients using total sampling technique. Then, analyzed using the Fisher’s Exact Test. Data collection through interviews using a questionnaire. 51 samples, the majority were 46-55 years old (51,0%), male gender (74,5%), primary school (5,0%), self-employment (49,0%), knowledge (62,7), family support (52,9%), and self-care (54,0%). Based on the results of bivariate, a p-value of 0,000 (p<0,05) was obtained on knowledge and family support and most of the respondents know leprosy as an infectious disease and try to cover up the disease because they feel ashamed, insecure and afraid of being ostracized from the family and community (self-stigma).