Studies on Detection Modes of Leprosy in China During the Years 1981 Through 1998 / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the detection modes of leprosy and their influencing factors and outcomes. Methods Based upon the nationwide registration of leprosy patients detected during 1981～ 1998, the profiles of these patients at detection were studied. Results The proportions of cases significantly correlated with calendar years in the detection by dermatologic clinic, contact check, clue survey and mass survey, showing a significant increases in percentage of cases detected through dermatologic clinic and contact check and decreases through clue survey and mass survey. Detection of leprosy cases through dermatologic clinic and voluntary reporting became the main modes of case－ finding during 1997－ 1998, accounting for 37.3％ and 28.6％ respectively, whereas contact check only accounted for 9.1％ . More MB patients were detected by voluntary reporting than PB, whereas detection by dermatologic clinic resulted in a significantly higher proportion (38.0％ ) in PB patients than in MB (33.5％ ). The voluntary reporting and clue survey resulted in higher proportions of detection in prefecture and county rural areas. In areas with good facilities of dermatologic services, significantly higher extent (75.9％ ) of cases were detected through dermatologic clinic, whereas the voluntary reporting and clue survey were main modes of case detection in endemic areas. A great majority of cases were confirmed by leprosy units even though they were detected by various modes. Only 6.5％ of leprosy cases were detected and consequently confirmed by doctors in dermatologic clinics. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of providing training on leprosy to the doctors in dermatologic clinics while continuously encouraging their involvement in leprosy control.