Knowledge, attitude and practices of the community and patients regarding leprosy in Mangalore--a study

To get acquainted with the knowledge, attitude and practices of the community and the patients towards leprosy so as to evolve a suitable health education programme, a study was conducted in Mangalore as per the schedule prepared for the purpose. The information so collected has been summarised below. Very few people among the community know that leprosy is caused by a germ (8%). Knowledge regarding this was slightly better (22%) among patients. Only 15% of the community members and 42% of the patients were aware of the early signs of the disease. 54% of the community members and 41% of the patients felt that leprosy is contagious. 60% of the community and 86% of the patients were of the opinion that leprosy is curable. Many believe that leprosy is associated with deformities and disabilities (community 64%, patients 76%). Most of the community members (79%) and patients (88%) said it is necessary to attend a hospital for treatment when leprosy is suspected. 60% of the community members and 56% of the patients felt that it is necessary to segregate leprosy patients. The findings are highlighted and discussed in the article.