A leprosy health education project.
Results of a survey of knowledge and attitudes of the general public towards leprosy and knowledge, attitudes and practices of leprosy patients are reported. This survey is the base line for a health education project, based on social psychological theories of behavior, which is described. The results of the survey show that the general public has very little knowledge about leprosy; patients have more knowledge. Attitudes measured with a Likert scale are negative for the general public and only slightly positive for the patients. Allopathic treatment for leprosy is preferred by most, but many do not relate the "patch" to leprosy and therefore do not seek early treatment. In addition, many patients do not complete the treatment. There is much need for health education.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D006266:Health Education; D006782:Hospitals, Special / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007918:Leprosy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011639:Public Opinion