Gambaran Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Perilaku Masyarakat Desa Padang Brahrang terhadap Penyakit Kusta

Abstract

Background. Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium lepare. Despite being one of the oldest disease, leprosy patient still often experience discrimination in society, which hinders treatment and causes clinical and psychosocial impacts. Objectives. To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of the community in Desa Padang Brahrang, Kecamatan Selesai, Kabupaten Langkat towards leprosy. Method. This study used a descriptive method with a cross-sectional study design and cluster sampling technique. Data were collected from 100 respondents using a validates questionnare. Results. The results showed that 52% of respondents had good knowledge, 99% of respondents showed positive attitudes, and 87% of respondents showed negative attitudes. Thus, although the community in Desa Padang Brahrang has good knowledge and positive attitudes towards leprosy patients, efforts are still needed to change negative behaviors towards leprosy patients so that leprosy treatment can be more efective.