Burden of leprosy and associated risk factors for disabilities in Tanzania from 2017 to 2020
This study identified male sex, older age, positive HIV status, and prior treatment history as independent risk factors for leprosy-related disabilities. Additionally, despite the observed decline in point prevalence and new case detection rates, these changes were not statistically significant. To address leprosy-related disabilities, it is crucial to implement specific prevention strategies that focus on high-risk groups. This can be accomplished by enhancing screening and contact tracing efforts for early patient identification to prevent delays in intervention. Further research is warranted to analyze the burden of leprosy over a more extended period and to explore additional risk factors not covered in this study.
Authors
- Gideon Kwesigabo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3302-6736)
- Deus Kamara (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2141-0696)
- Riziki Kisonga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6427-6987)
- Azma Simba
- Ally Kassim Hussein (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6674-7487)
- George Mrema (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2612-9125)
- Vida Mmbaga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8776-9212)
- Emmanuel Nkiligi
- Robert Balama (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3605-7407)
- Welema Magoge
- Paul Shunda
Institutions
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (TZ)
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (TZ)
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (TZ)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS ONE
- Published
- 2024-10-10
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311676
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Leprosy Research and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.39
Funders
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention