The Effectiveness of SI-DINI Mobile App (an Education and Early Detection of Leprosy App) on Changes in Community Behavior

Abstract

Most leprosy case detection in Indonesia is based on passive surveillance. This condition impacts the high number of new cases of leprosy and the disability rate of leprosy. Data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia stated that for 2021, there were 7,201 new cases of leprosy with a disability proportion of 84.6%. The community's reluctance to make early contact is due to low knowledge and fear of stigma. SI-DINI is an android-based application that contains information about leprosy, videos on identifying the characteristics and symptoms of leprosy, and reporting suspected leprosy so that it is hoped that it can change people's behavior in a positive direction. This study aims to see the effectiveness of the SI-DINI App in changing people's behavior. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre and post-test design with intervention and control groups. The use of the SI-DINI App has been proven effective in changing people's behavior in terms of knowledge, attitudes and actions. There is a significant increase in the knowledge aspect with p-value = 0.000 (p<0,05), the attitude aspect p-value = 0.000 (p<0,05), and the action aspect p-value = 0.000 (p<0,05). It is hoped that the application of education and surveillance for early detection of leprosy (SI-DINI) can be applied on a broader scope and can be used sustainably and in the future.