Mental Health Status and Quality of Life Among People living with Leprosy in Southwest and North Central Nigeria.

Purpose Leprosy significantly impacts mental health and quality of life, yet research on this issue in Nigeria is scarce. This study assessed the mental health status and quality of life among individuals living with leprosy in two settlements in Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 53 people living with leprosy in two leprosy settlements in Ondo and Kwara States. A semi-structured instrument consisting of sociodemographic characteristics as well as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess depression, anxiety, and quality of life respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 84.9% and 43.4% respectively. Quality of life was very poor for 94.3% of respondents. Significant associations were found between depression and quality of life (p = 0.037), duration of stay in settlements and depression (p = 0.04), age and anxiety (p = 0.026), and source of income and quality of life (p = 0.03). Respondents aged 70 years and older were more likely to experience anxiety (p = 0.02). Conclusion The high prevalence of depression and anxiety, coupled with very poor quality of life, highlights the need for comprehensive mental health interventions and support systems for individuals affected by leprosy in Southwestern and North Central Nigeria. Targeted strategies addressing age-specific needs and economic empowerment may improve overall well-being and quality of life of this vulnerable population.