Effect of Psychoeducation-Modification on the Improvement of Spiritual Response, Perception Stigma, Anxiety Level and Cortisol Levels among Lepers

Objective: This study aims analyze the effect of psychoeducation-modification (MP) intervention on the improvement of spiritual response, perception stigma, anxiety level, and cortisol levels among lepers.

Method and Materials: This study was a mixed method design. The first stage used qualitative method to develop a psychoeducation-modification module and the second stage was a quantitative method with quasiexperiment using pre-test post-test with control group design. The population was patients who received MDT (Multi Drugs Therapy) treatment, with a total sample of 35 respondents. Statistical tests used the T test, ANOVA test, and pathway analysis. Interventions for psychoeducation-modification were provided in 5 sessions and each session 60-90 minutes

Results: There were significant differences in mean scores of spiritual response, perception stigma and anxiety levels scores between intervention group and control group (p-value <0.05) and there was no difference in mean scores of cortisol levels intervention group and control group (p-value> 0.05). The psychoeducation modification effect was more targeted at improving emotional and spiritual intelligence which had an impact on the improvement of spiritual response, Perception Stigma, anxiety level and stability in cortisol levels decrease.

Conclusion: Psychoeducation-modification was effective in improving spiritual response, perception stigma, anxiety level, and cortisol levels among lepers compared to intervention using psychoeducation only. It is recommended to integrate psychoeducation modification intervention into the leprosy prevention service program as a holistic service that includes spiritual bio-psycho-social aspects.