Project coordination
Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Herb Research Group
Aim: The study aims to evaluate the impact of the DEDIKASI-App, a culturally tailored mobile application. This follow-up study builds on previous evidence to assess the app's impact among post-RFT (released from treatment) individuals.
Full project title: Evaluating the Impact of the DEDIKASI-App on Self-Stigma Prevention and Knowledge Enhancement Among Post- RFT Leprosy Patients in Indonesia.
Project summary
Leprosy is a disease that still affects many people in Indonesia. Even after completing treatment and being declared cured, many individuals who had leprosy continue to face serious challenges. These include difficulties in caring for their skin, experiencing new wounds or reactions, and most importantly, feeling ashamed, isolated, or excluded from their communities. This shame, called self-stigma, can be just as damaging as the disease itself.
At the moment, there are very few support systems to help people after they finish their leprosy treatment. Many are left alone to manage their health and emotions without guidance. That’s why there is a need for practical tools to help people stay informed, feel supported, and continue caring for themselves confidently.
To help address this gap, the grantee has developed the DEDIKASI-App — a mobile phone application designed specifically for people who have completed leprosy treatment. It contains easy-to-understand information on wound care, mental wellbeing, disability prevention, and ways to stay healthy. The app also includes motivational messages and tools to support users in continuing their self-care routines.
Early testing of the app in a rural community showed that users found it helpful and were willing to use it in their daily lives. A larger study involving over 600 participants demonstrated improvements in knowledge, personal hygiene practices, and early identification of skin-related issues.
The next phase of this project will evaluate the app specifically among people who have already completed treatment for leprosy. The goal is to understand whether the DEDIKASI-App can reduce self-stigma, improve self-care behaviors, and help individuals feel more confident and accepted in their communities. Beyond supporting people in Indonesia, this initiative has the potential to serve as a model for using simple, accessible mobile technology to empower those affected by leprosy around the world.