Study of leprosy among slum dwellers in Pune. Part-I. Prevalence.

While conducting a point prevalence total population survey in Ghorpuri slum in Pune, the overall prevalence or leprosy was 9.16 per thousand. The prevalence rate varied in different bastis with Madari basti having a very high prevalence rate of 17.31 per thousand and showing clustering. Prevalence was highest in age group 31-40 years, females, Muslims, Widower/widow, skilled workers, illiterates and primary school educated and the lower socio-economic groups. Joint families had the highest prevalence of leprosy (20.83/1,000) and also higher prevalence was seen in families with more than 7 members.