Journal of Rural Community Nursing Practice
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): March

The Correlation Between Medication Adherence and Disability among Leprosy Patients in Kunir Public Health Center, Lumajang

Sampiyono (Faculty of Health Sciences, Hafshawaty Zainul Hasan University)
Ainul Yaqin Salam (Faculty of Health Sciences, Hafshawaty Zainul Hasan University, Indonesia)
Zainal Abidin (Faculty of Nursing, University of Jember, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that can lead to permanent disability if not properly managed, especially due to non-adherence to the Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) regimen. Medication adherence plays a crucial role in preventing disease progression and the onset of disability. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between medication adherence and the level of disability among leprosy patients in Kunir Public Health Center, Lumajang. Methods: This research employed a quantitative, correlational design to examine the relationship between medication adherence and disability level among leprosy patients. The study population comprised all leprosy patients in Kunir Public Health Center, with a total of 14 respondents selected using total sampling. The research instruments used were the MMAS-8 questionnaire to assess adherence and the POD scale to assess disability. Data were analyzed using the Spearman Rank test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Most patients had moderate medication adherence (50%), and the majority experienced Grade 1 disability (42.9%). The Spearman test revealed a significant relationship between medication adherence and disability level (p = 0.000; r = 0.930), indicating that higher adherence is associated with lower levels of disability. Conclusions: Regular and timely MDT treatment can suppress disease progression and prevent nerve damage leading to disability. Therefore, improving medication adherence should be a priority in primary healthcare-based leprosy control programs.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JRCNP

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Rural Community Nursing Practice (JRCNP) is a scientific journal managed by the Community, Family & Elderly Health Studies with Evidence Based Science Indonesia (EBSINA) in collaboration with the professional organization Indonesian Community Health Nurses Association (IPKKI) East Java ...