Abstract: Objective: To assess the effects of selfcare group (SCG) in preventing leprosy disability and promoting social participation. Methods: The disabled persons affected by leprosy (DPAL) with good leadership and organization skills were selected as the SCG leaders, and DPAL from surrounding communities were recruited to form self-care groups (10 to 13 persons in each group). The SCG got together every 6 months for 6 times. The SCG consultant evaluated the effects of SCG with the Baseline Disability Record Table and the Participation Scale at baseline each year. Results: There was forty six patients participated the SCG, The red eyes score decreased by 81.25%, hand fissures scores by 83.75%, hand wound counts by 75%, foot fissure score by 84.21% and foot ulcer score by 45.45% after 3-years intervention. The participation scale score declined from 37.37±17.30 to 23.78±13.15 and the limitation of social participation declined from 73.91% to 32.61% at the end of the study. Conclusion: SCG is effective in preventing disability and promoting social participation.

Key words: leprosy, self-care group, prevention of disability, rehabilitation