Effectiveness of the different modes of case detection in Hmawbi Leprosy Control Project, 1964-1974

ABSTRACT

Leprosy Control in Myanmar was started in 1952 with case finding and domicilliary treatment as the two main strategies. Because of the emphasis on case finding the total number of registered leprosy cases increased from 47280 in 1958 to 271353 in 1976. The study was undertaken to determine the types of cases and the disabilities status among cases that are detected through different means of case detection methods in Hmawbi Township prior to integration of the case finding activities into Basic Health Services. A retrospective study on 320 new cases that have been detected in Hmawbi Township during the period 1964 to 1974 was undertaken. 74.14 Percent of the lepromatous type of new leprosy cases are seen to be suffering from various degree of disabiligy, whereas for Tuberculoid new cases the disability percent is only 33.47 Percent. Out of a total 320 new cases 46.56 Percent of them were detected through active case finding methods. The proportion of lepromatous new cases is seen to be high among new cases detected through mass surveys (23.21 Percent) and passive case detections (23.21 Percent). New cases detected through school children examinations and contact examinations are seen to be suffering from less disability than that of mass surveys, referrals from B.H.S and voluntary examination.