Self-administered dapsone compliance of leprosy patients in Eastern Nepal

Abstract

Self-administered dapsone intake by leprosy patients in Eastern Nepal was monitored with a urine spot test. Of 341 outpatients 55 (16.1%) were found to be noncompliant. A significant relationship was found between noncompliance and age and between noncompliance and caste. Sex, disease classification, type of treatment, duration of treatment, history of leprosy reactions and travel time to the clinic did not influence the compliance. In remote areas the urine spot test can be useful in leprosy control programmes.