Study Of Knowledge, Beliefs & Attitudes Towards Leprosy Among Patients Of Leprosy
Abstract
Research Problem: What is the level of Knowledge and attitudes of leprosy patients towards leprosy? Objectives: To assess the knowledge, beliefs and attitude towards leprosy in leprosy patients. Study Design: Hospital - based study by questionnaire method. Setting and Participants: Leprosy patients attending Dermatology OPD. J.N. Medical College Hospital, A.M.U., Aligarh. Sample Size: 200 leprosy patients. Study Variables: Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding leprosy. Outcome Variables: Percentage of patients having correct Knowledge and positive attitude. Statistical Analysis : By proportions. Results: Ignorance about leprosy is still rampant. 81 % of the patients were not aware of the cause of disease. 89.5% did not know whether the disease was preventable. 91 % patients were optimistic that the disease was curable. 60% of the patients became anxious on learning the diagnosis of the disease. Relations were strained with spouse in 6% cases after learning the diagnosis of the disease. Conclusions: Most of the patients had very little knowledge about leprosy, but they were optimistic about the cure of the disease. Interestingly, not much social stigma was encountered by the patients. Recommendations : Raising the literacy status of the population
