Leprosy and Medical Practitioners in Enugu, South- East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that is associated with serious morbidity and is a disease of public health concern because of  the social stigma. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical practitioners are very vital in its control.
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical officers and interns regarding leprosy.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 26 medical officers and 262 interns in two tertiary health facilities in Enugu, South-east  Nigeria. Data analysis was both descriptive and inferential using SPSS version 21 at 95% confidence level.
Results: Knowledge of the respondents on diagnosis, management, and prevention of leprosy was adequate. However, their overall attitudes and  practices towards leprosy were poor. About 50.7% would not eat, 79.9% would not marry, and 34.7% would not be willing to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to persons affected by leprosy. The female respondents were significantly more likely than the male respondents to be willing to perform CPR on leprosy patients (73.3% vs. 59.5%; χ² = 13.43; P = 0.001). Similarly, respondents in 30-40 years age category were  significantly more likely than those in 40-45 years age category to be willing to perform CPR on leprosy patients (70.0% vs. 58.3%; χ² = 17.11; P =  0.03).
Conclusion: There is adequate knowledge among medical officers and interns with regard to leprosy. However, their attitudes and practices were  poor. It is recommended that medical students should have training in leprosy as well as adequate exposure including interaction with persons  affected by leprosy at the zonal/regional referral centers.