Awareness of leprosy – knowledge and practices among general practitioners in leprosy endemic areas of Larkana region, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective To assess awareness about leprosy among general practitioners in endemic areas of Larkana region Sindh, Pakistan. Subjects and methods The survey was carried out during January to March 2010 among general practitioners practicing in leprosy endemic areas of Larkana region. Results A total of 250 general practitioners were surveyed by questionnaires. 225 properly filled questionnaires were scrutinized and included in the study. Out of these, 172 (76.4%) practitioners had enough knowledge of the leprosy symptoms, while remaining 53 (23.5%) were unaware of them. Among 172 aware practitioners, 133 (77.3%) had enough knowledge regarding source of leprosy infection while 39 (22.6%) had no such knowledge. Out of these, 133 practitioners who knew the source, 60 (45.2%) were sure about the disease cure but 73 (54.8%) were unsure. Among 60 practitioners who knew about the cure of the disease, 21 (35%) showed social acceptance like having cup of tea with leprosy patients or working in same environment or keeping them as helpers with while 39 (65%) practitioners rejected them socially. Conclusion Leprosy control needs more efforts to create awareness and to combat irrational fear still largely associated with this disease.