Jurnal Penelitian Kesehatan Suara Forikes
Vol 17, No 3 (2026): March 2026

Close Contact with Patients and Immunity Status as Major Risk Factors for Leprosy Among Adults

Utami, Puji (Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Mohammad Husni Thamrin, Jakarta)
Indriyati, Titi (Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Mohammad Husni Thamrin, Jakarta)
Bedah, Sumiati (Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Mohammad Husni Thamrin, Jakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that affects peripheral nerves, skin, the upper respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal mucosa. Despite global progress, it remains a public health problem in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with leprosy among adults at UPT RSUD RAA Soewondo Pati in 2025. An analytical observational study with a case–control design was conducted involving 70 cases and 70 controls (1:1 ratio). Data were analyzed using Chi‑square tests and multivariate logistic regression. In results, age (p=0.007), sex (p=0.033), close contact with leprosy patients (p=0.005), personal hygiene (p=0.011), and immunity status (p=0.000) were significantly associated with leprosy. Multivariate analysis identified close contact with leprosy patients (OR=8.3; 95% CI: 1.897–36.310) and immunity status (OR=6.2; 95% CI: 2.798–13.570) as the strongest predictors. In conclusion, close contact with leprosy patients and compromised immunity status are the major risk factors for leprosy among adults. Strengthening early detection, monitoring close contacts, improving personal hygiene, and enhancing community immunity are essential strategies to reduce transmission and prevent new cases.Keywords: leprosy; risk factors; close contact

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

sf

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Journal of Health Research "Forikes Voice" is a medium for the publication of articles on research and review of the literature. We accept articles in the areas of health such as public health, medicine, nursing, midwifery, nutrition, pharmaceutical, environmental health, health technology, clinical ...