Knowledge and Behavior as Factors in Preventing Leprosy Transmission at the Community Health Center

Abstract

Leprosy, or Morbus Hansen, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Limited knowledge and inappropriate preventive behavior may contribute to the continued transmission of leprosy. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and behavior of leprosy patients and analyze their association with the prevention of leprosy transmission. This analytic observational study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted in 2024 at Puskesmas Kalumata, Puskesmas Kota, and Puskesmas Siko. A total of 62 respondents were selected using accidental sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact test for bivariate analysis, and ordinal logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Most respondents were aged 20–60 years (77.4%), male (58.7%), had senior high school education (38.7%), were employed (72.6%), had low income (62.9%), and had easy access to health services (88.7%). Good knowledge about leprosy was found in 71.0% of respondents, while good preventive behavior was found in 45.2%. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between knowledge and the prevention of leprosy transmission, whereas behavior was not significantly associated with prevention. Multivariate analysis showed that knowledge was the most influential factor in the prevention of leprosy transmission. In conclusion, knowledge was significantly associated with the prevention of leprosy transmission and was identified as the most influential factor. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening continuous health education to improve patients' understanding and support efforts to prevent leprosy transmission.

Keywords: behavior; knowledge; leprosy; transmission; health education