Psychological support needs of patients with leprosy and responses of Ben San hospital in 2021

Abstract

The study aimed to describe psychological support needs (PSN) of patients with leprosy and responses of Ben San hospital, Ho Chi Minh city in 2021. The article used cross-sectional study design to collect data on 230 leprosy patients using SCNS-SF34 tool, during May to August 2021. The findings revelead that 100% patients had PSN and each patient had 6 different PSN. 55.2% patients had all 10 PSN. Three most common PSN included uncertainty about the future (98.7%), worry that the results of the treatment are beyond the control (96.5%) and keeping a positive outlook (96.5%). No patient did not get any psychological supports, however there were also no patients got supports for 8 or more PSN. The rate of patients getting supports for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 PSN simultaneously were 3.04%, 6.52%, 3.91%, 55.22%, 19.57%, 11.3% and 0.43% respectively. The study pointed out a clear overview of different PSNs of patients with leprosy and current responses of Ben San hospital. This is an evidence for the hospital to put into consideration to improve their psychological supports for leprosy patients.