COMMUNITY AWARENESS ABOUT LEPROSY IN A DISTRICT OF NEPAL

ABSTRACT Nepal is one of the countries with high prevalence of leprosy. In general, the prevalence of the disease is relatively higher in the plains than in the hills. We analyzed the knowledge of leprosy in the community by a structured questionnaires study. The sources of information from where they acquired the knowledge were also studied. This study was done in Sunsari district of Nepal on National Immunization Day program. Out of 1647 respondents, 60% were female. The majority (74%) was between 20–40 years of the age group. Agricultural workers constituted 58%. One third of the respondents were illiterates. Approximately 60% of the respondents knew the cause and symptoms of leprosy. “Leprosy is curable” was felt by 81.8%. Although 75% of the respondents knew that drugs for leprosy were available free of cost, the goal of elimination was understood by only 51% of respondents. The younger individuals had better knowledge of the cause and availability of the free treatment of leprosy. The females had equal knowledge about cure, but had less knowledge of the cause, symptoms, availability of the free treatment and elimination goal. Illiterates, laborers and unemployed had significantly less knowledge of leprosy. There was no difference seen between different levels of education in literate groups. Radio was the single most effective means of providing information, education and communications about leprosy. A good knowledge of leprosy inculcates a positive attitude towards leprosy. In general this may result in better case reporting and regularity of treatment as well as fewer deformities. Key Words: Leprosy, Community Awareness