JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In Nigeria, like in many leprosy-endemic countries, leprosy is highly stigmatized. High levels of stigma among community members as well as internalized stigma among persons affected by leprosy often result in negative psychosocial consequences for persons affected and persons with disabilities. To break this vicious cycle, it is important that context-specific behavioural change activities are carried out. Although written material has been successful in improving knowledge and perception, written material is not suitable for populations with low educational levels. Audio-delivered interventions are likely to be more suitable for illiterate persons. The research proposes to assess the impact of an audio-delivered intervention on the perception (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs) of community members with regard to leprosy in Nigeria (by comparing an audio-delivered intervention with written health education and a control group).

Objective:

This study aims to answer the following research question: “What is the impact of an audio-delivered intervention compared to written information on the perception (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs) of community members with regard to leprosy in Nigeria?”

Methods:

The current study will use a mixed-methods cross-sectional study design for the intervention development, and a three-arm cluster randomised trial for the intervention implementation and evaluation, comprising: 1. Baseline assessments of knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and fears of community members in order to develop the audio-delivered content and written material. 2. Baseline assessment of self-esteem and internalized stigma of persons affected by leprosy. 3. Participatory development of the audio-delivered content and written material by persons affected by leprosy. 4. Pilot and implementation of the interventions in Nigeria. This will be done among different groups who will be compared (control group, audio-intervention group, written material group). Groups will be selected by cluster randomization. 5. Evaluation of the interventions and the impact of developing the intervention on persons affected, using the same methods as the baseline study.

Results:

Participant recruitment started in January 2023. Study results are expected in May 2024.

Conclusions:

The results of this investigation will contribute to developing evidence-based, context-specific behavioural change interventions which is critical to address stigma in many leprosy-endemic communities where leprosy is highly stigmatized, and will contribute towards the global triple zero leprosy efforts. Clinical Trial: Prospectively registered with Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR202205543939385 https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=23667.