KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING LEPROSY AMONG DERMATOLOGY PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN TELANGANA

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that is associated with serious morbidity and is a disease of public health concern because of the case load and the social stigma attached to the disease. The advance in multidrug therapy in the past 50 years has prompted a drastic decrease in the prevalence of leprosy. However, 105 endemic countries, specifically located in South east Asia, in the Americas, Africa, Eastern Pacific and Western Mediterranean, still concentrate a large number of cases.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 300 patients attendingthe Department of DVL, Patancheru Government district hospital, selected by systematic random sampling from October 2021 to June 2022.In formation regarding the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards leprosy was obtained using a structured questionnaire, which was designed in both English and Telugu. The study subjects included were of 15 years of age and above. The questionnaire included socio-demographic variables like age, sex, educational status, marital status, occupation and income of the household.

Results: About 45.6% respondents were in the age group 15-30 years, 35.3% between 31-50yearsand19%wereabove50yearsofage.Among them 68% were male and32%female.About 10% were illiterate, 13% had primary schooling, 20% were Xth pass,12%were XIIth pass and 29% were graduates. About 60% had an income greater than Rs. 15,000 and were private employees. About 72% were Hindu by religion. A 51% of those interviewed had no knowledge of the disease. An 80% of them were less than 25 years of age. Among those with knowledge of leprosy, nearly 50% believed that leprosy is highly infectious and easily communicable. A 73.68% stated that leprosy is caused by germs. Some believed that leprosy was caused by unclean environment (52.63%), dirty food (42.1%), vitamin deficiency (47.36%) and impure blood(52.36%).

Conclusion: In order to achieve the target of total eradication there is a need to intensify awareness about the symptoms of the disease, its treatment and prognosis so that early detection can be ensured.