Absenteeism in leprosy patients in a rural area in Tamil Nadu

Of the 3382 leprosy patients taking treatment in Hemerijckx Rural Centre Area, 150 randomly selected patients, who were irregular for treatment, were matched with 150 patients who were regular for treatment, by age, sex and type of disease. The characteristics and the reasons for regularity/irregularity in treatment of these 300 patients were studied. There were more Lepromatous patients (20%) among regulars. A greater proportion of irregulars belonged to backward (54%) and scheduled castes (35%). The proportion of irregulars were more (32%) in the initial phase of the disease. There were more irregular patients among the illiterate group (61%). The knowledge of the irregular patients about early sign, causation, spread, curability and duration of treatment were found to be lacking. The clinic timing was unsuitable for 33% of irregular patients. 23% of irregulars experienced some intolerance to DDS. When 94% of regulars attended clinic in order that they may be 'cured', 63% of irregulars stayed away because of 'work'.