Determinant factors of leprosy-related disability; comparison of acceleration failure time and parametric shared

Bezanesh Melese Masresha1, Kasim Mohammed Yesuf2, Yikeber Abebaw Moyehodie1

  • 1Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Amhara, Ethiopia.

Plos One
|April 3, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Leprosy disability is significantly influenced by patient age, symptom duration, treatment category, and sensory loss. Early detection and community awareness are crucial for reducing disability and its social impact.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, leads to peripheral nerve damage and disability.
  • This nerve damage results in physical incapacitation, social stigma, and isolation for patients and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key determinants of disability among leprosy patients.
  • To analyze risk factors associated with leprosy-related disability using statistical models.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 205 leprosy patient samples from January 2015 to December 2019.
  • Application of accelerated failure time and parametric shared frailty models (Weibull, log-logistic) with territorial frailty.
  • Model comparison using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC).

Main Results:

  • 69% (33.7%) of patients experienced at least one grade of disability during treatment.
  • The log-logistic-gamma shared frailty model was the best fit, indicating significant patient variation.
  • Age, symptom duration, treatment category, and sensory loss were identified as significant determinants of leprosy disability.

Conclusions:

  • Heterogeneity in disability outcomes was observed at the group level.
  • Age, symptom duration, treatment category, and sensory loss are critical indicators for reducing leprosy disability.
  • Community awareness programs emphasizing early signs, consequences of delayed treatment, and accessible care are recommended.

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