Korelasi antara Kadar Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum dengan Tingkat Stres dan Kualitas Hidup pada Pasien Kusta

Abstract

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that not only causes physical damage but also significantly impacts the psychological condition of patients, such as stress levels and quality of life. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in nerve function and stress regulation. Still, the correlation between serum BDNF levels, stress levels, and quality of life in leprosy patients remains underexplored.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between serum BDNF levels and stress levels, and quality of life in leprosy patients.

Subjects and Methods: This analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design involved 45 leprosy patients. Serum BDNF levels were measured using the ELISA method. Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), while quality of life was evaluated using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Correlation analysis was conducted using the Spearman test.

Results: The results showed a very strong and significant negative correlation between serum BDNF levels and stress levels (r = –0.953, p < 0.001), indicating that lower serum BDNF levels were associated with higher stress levels in leprosy patients. A very strong and significant positive correlation was also found between serum BDNF levels and quality of life (r = 0.962, p < 0.001), suggesting that higher BDNF levels were associated with better quality of life.

Conclusion: Serum BDNF levels are strongly associated with stress levels and quality of life in leprosy patients.

Keywords: leprosy, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, stress, quality of life