Task sharing for the management of leprosy by nurses in a tertiary healthcare setting of Northern India

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing leprosy due to a shortage of dermatologists and other healthcare professionals. A total of 100 leprosy patients were divided into experimental (n=50) and control groups (n=50). The intervention included face-to-face counseling by a trained nurse, motivational videos and exercise demonstrations. The control group received standard care. The primary outcome of interest was treatment adherence (Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale); other assessed outcomes included changes in perceived stigma (Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item) and quality of life (WHO QOL-BREF Scale) from baseline to week 8. The intervention group had better treatment adherence (p