Factor of Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment in Leprosy at Health Region 9

Abstract

Leprosy is a contagious chronic disease causing permanent disability in patients. Therefore,
it has been a crucial problem for public health, economics and society. Many studies found that
the disability is related with delayed treatment. Hence, this study aimed to determine the factors
related to the delayed diagnosis and treatment in leprosy patients. The study was done among
36 leprosy patients who received the treatment less than 9 months, including theirs relatives, the
community leaders and the public health off ificials responsible for these leprosy patients in
general hospital and community hospitals located at Health region 9. The data was collected by
structured interview during July-September, 2015. Then, content analysis was used to analyze the data.The f i ndings revealed that the majority of samples were female, average age above 60 years,
primary school graduated, belonged to low economic group and over half of them received delayed
diagnosis and treatment. They were never aware that they have leprosy : The primary signs and
symptoms were white patch, with anesthesia and not itchy, they were them prescribed self medicated
and would seek medical advise where the condition become serious. Despite the community people
misunderstood that leprosy is hereditary, they still fear to contact with the lepers especially the patient
with severe symptoms were socially discriminated. The f i ndings also revealed that the delayed diagnosis
and treatment were due to the service system, particularly at the community level. It is suggested
that the plan and policy for leprosy prevention and control strategies should be focused at community
hospital with special emphasis for endemic area through basic training for internist and new professional
staffs. Leprosy education program should also provide for community health volunteer and people
in order to recognize early sign and symptoms as well as to motivate the patients to have early detection
diagnosis and treatment.