SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING DIAGNOSIS OF LEPROSY: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY.

Dr Darshit Doshi; Dr Shrenik Balegar; Dr Shashi Bhushan Singh; Dr Amit Kumar Singh; Dr Appu Rajan

Volume : V, Issue : VI, June - 2016

SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING DIAGNOSIS OF LEPROSY: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY.

Dr Darshit Doshi, Dr Shrenik Balegar, Dr Shashi Bhushan Singh, Dr Amit Kumar Singh, Dr Appu Rajan

Abstract :

 Introduction: Sociocultural factors stand as barrier in the detection and treatment of leprosy. Misconceptions and myths, low literacy and knowledge about leprosy among patients were major socio–cultural barriers in its control. Socio–economic status of the patient plays an important role in acquiring leprosy and getting the treatment for the same. Most of the patient hide and conceal their symptoms which lead to delay in diagnosis and deformities. It has serious consequences on their social well–being. Methods: Cross sectional study to assess the socio–cultural barriers affecting treatment of leprosy patients. A total of 46 patients with leprosy attending Dermatology OPD were interviewed through semi–structured questionnaire during the period between June2015 to November2015. Results: In this study, ratio of male vs. female was 2:1. Mean and standard deviation of age of patients was 38 years and 14.5 years respectively. Majority [35(76%)] of the patients belong to lower class according to modified Kuppuswamy’s index (2015). Out of these patients, 37 (80.4%) were old cases on follow up and 9(19.6%) were newly diagnosed cases. 19(41.3%) patients did not have any knowledge about the disease. 5(10.86%) knew only the name of the disease and the remaining 21(45.65%) had other views about the disease like curse, myth, allergy, trauma etc. Only 1(2.17%) patient who was well educated and belonging to upper middle class knew about the exact cause of the disease and its complications. 6 patients had family history of leprosy (13.04%). 17 patients faced social stigma (37%). Daily activities of 36 patients were affected (78.26%). Income of 27 patients got affected (58.7%). Education, care–taking and wellbeing of children were affected in 26 patients (56.52%). Conclusion: The major socio–cultural barriers in leprosy treatment are low socioeconomic status, myths, illiteracy, social stigmas and faith on alternative therapy