The multiple linear regression analysis on depression and quality of life of leprosy patients

Objective To analyze the correlativity of depression with the dimensions of quality of life (QOL) of leprosy patients. Methods The center epidemiological studies of depression scale (CES-D) and world health organization quality of life questionnaire-brief version (WHOQOL-bref) were used to assess the depression and QOL of leprosy patients in Guangdong Province, and their correlativity was analyzed by the multiple linear regression analysis method. Results A total of 263 participants completed the survey, including 177 males (67.3%) and 86 females (32.7%). Among them, 131 participants (49.8%) presented depression symptoms, and these people got significant lower scores in all the dimensions of QOL than people without depression symptom(all P<0.05). The regression coefficients between depression and overall QOL, physical, psychological, social relationship and environment were -0.340, -0.322, -0.644, -0.424 and 0.244, respectively. All the regression coefficients got statistical significance (all P<0.05), except overall QOL. Conclusions High depression symptom rate has been found in leprosy patients in Guangdong Province, the QOL scores have significant correlations with CES-D score. Multilevel interventions should be taken to prevent the occurrence of depression among leprosy patients.