Disability in leprosy: A relevant measurement of progress in leprosy control

Abstract

931 patients have been detected in a Leprosy Control Project in Karnataka, India, giving a prevalence of 4.86/1000. 292 of these cases have disability and these are analysed in detail using the WHO Disability Index DI - 2. The effects of different forms of treatment on this Index are examined. It is suggested that incidence of disability is a more relevant measurement of the effectiveness of leprosy work than the incidence of cases. Secondary preventative measures are unlikely to prevent new cases whereas primary preventive measures for disability should affect the incidence of disability. This study forms the base line of a prospective study of the incidence of disability.