Health Seeking Behaviour of Leprosy Patients Attending Dermatology OPD of a Tertiary Care Health Centre of Western Odisha: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes complex problems, particularly permanent disability due to late detection and inadequate treatment. Disability in leprosy brings stigma in the society; ultimately leading to stress among patients and affect their behaviours during the treatment period. Objectives: To estimate the pattern of health seeking behaviour among leprosy patients and to determine the factors affecting their health seeking behaviour. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 115 leprosy patients attending leprosy clinic of Bhima Bhoi Medical College & Hospital (BBMCH), Balangir. Study participants were selected by convenient sampling method. After obtaining informed consent, participants were interviewed regarding their health seeking behaviour by using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured schedule. Results: Among 115 study participants, 54.8% belongs to 21-40 yrs, 12.2% in 11-20 yrs and 10.4% were more than 60yrs. 68.7% were male, 19.1% illiterate and 45.2% were economically dependent on their family members. 87.8% were multi-bacillary and 12.2% of pauci-bacillary leprosy. 13.9% of participants had not been received immediate treatment after diagnosis; the reasons being, unaware and ignorance towards the treatment (5.2%), 1.7% migrated for work, 1.7% had transportation issues and 5.2% had initiated treatment from private clinics. 89.6% patients were regularly attending the health care facility for the treatment of the disease. Conclusions: Proper knowledge and attitude towards the disease, adequate counselling to patients and IEC activities in the community are essential to improve the health seeking behaviour of leprosy patients and to fight against the stigma associated with the disease