Résumé
Background: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by M. leprae bacilli and one of the important cause of preventable disability.Methods: This study was a cross sectional one, conducted at Leprosy Hospital, Sarol, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh over a period of two months, May and June 2018. The study used convenient sampling and all 20 disabled patients who were receiving treatment at Leprosy Hospital were included in the study. Socio demographic data which included age, marital status, occupation, type and duration of disability was collected and analyzed. To screen for activity limitation and safety awareness SALSA scale was used. A score of 25 or more points is indicative of activity limitation and disability.Results: In total 20 patients were evaluated, out of which 12 were male and 8 female and the mean age of patients was 51years. Around 90% of female patients were illiterate and financially dependent while on the contrary 90% male patients were literate and financially independent. All the patients presented with some or severe disability according to Salsa scale. There was significant association of age, education, marital status and employment status with disability.Conclusions: Inspite of elimination of leprosy in India, cases of disability and deformity have not declined as expected. Awareness about warning signs among patients and timely diagnosis by health professionals can curb cases of disability among leprosy patients.
Résumé
Abstract INTRODUCTION Leprosy often results in sensory and physical limitations. This study aimed to evaluate these limitations using a quantitative approach in leprosy patients in Belém (Pará, Brazil). METHODS This epidemiological, cross-sectional study measured the sensory impairment of smell and taste through the use of a questionnaire and evaluated activity limitations of daily life imposed by leprosy through the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale. Data were collected from 84 patients and associations between the degree of disability and clinical and epidemiological characteristics were assessed. RESULTS The majority of patients were men (64.3%), married (52.4%), age 31-40 years old (26.2%), had primary education (50%), and were independent laborers (36.9%). The multibacillary operational classification (81%), borderline clinical form (57.1%), and 0 degrees of physical disability (41.7%) were predominant. SALSA scores ranged from 17 to 59 points, and being without limitations was predominant (53.6%). The risk awareness score ranged from 0 to 8, with a score of 0 (no awareness of risk) being the most common (56%). Evaluation of smell and taste sensory sensitivities revealed that 70.2% did not experience these sensory changes. Patients with leprosy reactions were 7 times more likely to develop activity limitations, and those who had physical disabilities were approximately four times more likely to develop a clinical picture of activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS Most patients showed no sensory changes, but patients with leprosy reactions were significantly more likely to develop activity limitations. Finally, further studies should be performed, assessing a higher number of patients to confirm the present results.