Awareness of Leprosy in Patients Attending Dermatology OPD of Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern Bihar

Background: Although various measures are taken to create awareness about the epidemiological features of leprosy and encourage health-seeking behavior, they have seldom been able to tackle the high incidence of new leprosy cases in India. This paper discusses the current awareness of leprosy among diagnosed leprosy patients attending Dermatology OPD of tertiary care centre in Eastern Bihar. Methodology: This research work was a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in the Department of Dermatology Venerology and leprosy (DVL) at Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College and Lions Seva Kendra Hospital, Kishanganj, Bihar. This study was done in accordance with the Helsinki declaration (2000) and carried out after obtaining the Institutional Ethics Committee clearance. The clinical and epidemiological data was obtained based on a pre-designed proforma which included demographic details, duration of illness, and treatment status of the patient. Awareness regarding the disease and disabilities were evaluated by set of questionnaire which included the knowledge about the disease, disabilities and treatment. Results: Out of 76 patients 85.5% of respondents had heard about leprosy. Various beliefs were cited, with 32.9% attributing it to a curse by God, 28.9% to hereditary causes, and smaller percentages to punishment for family sins, unclean endearment, and bacterial causes. Skin patches were the most recognized symptom (55.3%), followed by skin irritation (46.0%) and loss of sensation (42.1%). Casual contact was the most commonly mentioned mode (42.1%), followed by aerosol droplets (28.9%), and other less frequent modes. About 82.9% believed leprosy is curable. About 60.5 % patients had answer pharmaceutical drugs is the treatment of leprosy. Conclusion: The present study shows a lack of awareness and knowledge of leprosy among the target population. This study sheds light on the significant burden of disabilities associated with leprosy and underscores the importance of continued efforts in education, early detection, and effective treatment to reduce the impact of this disease on affected individuals and communities.