A study of causes of unemployment among agricultural labourers afflicted by leprosy

116 patients consisting of 54 males and 62 females, all engaged in agriculture were interviewed to find out the cause of their unemployment. Deformity seemed to be the major factor responsible for the loss of job among them, which was prevalent among advanced age group (Males--50, Females--53.5). Since the measures to rehabilitate them are rather difficult, it is essential to educate them on the methods of prevention of deformities and their importance. If not, they invariably loose their job at an age when they cannot train themselves for a suitable alternative job to earn their livelihood.