Study Of Socio- Economic Factors In Relation To Leprosy

• Main Authors: Alam Mahjabeen, Yunus M, Kalam A, Khan A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 1998-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Community Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.ijcm.org.in/article.asp?issn=0970-0218;year=1998;volume=23;issue=2;spage=77;epage=80;aulast=Alam;type=0

Research question: what are the socio-economic factors in relation to leprosy and their implications? Objectives: (i) To study the socio-economic factors in relation to leprosy.(ii) To assess the impact of disease on patients†job/income. Study design: Cross-sectional. Setting and Participants: Patients attending the dermatology OPD, J.N. Medical college hospital, A.M.U., Aligarh. Sample size: 200 leprosy patients. Study variables: education, occupation, social class, incapacitation, change in job, reduction in income. Statically analysis: Chi-square test Results: 46% of the leprosy patients were illiterate. A large majority of patients (78%) were involved in heavy manual work as farmers and labourers. 68.5% patients belonged to low social classes (IV and V). More males (26.3%) suffered from incapacitation than females (8.5%). 2.5% patients lost their job or were unable to work and 11.5% had to change their jobs due to the disease or disability caused by it. 17.5% patients had a history of reduction in their income after occurrence of leprosy.