Improving compliance of leprosy patients with disabilities for disability care and prevention of disability services.
This study was undertaken to identify the extent of the problems such as inadequate disability prevention services and poor compliance of the disabled leprosy patients and also to develop solutions, in Ulhasnagar block of Thane district, Maharashtra, India. A total of 233 patients out of 269 non-colony patients were evaluated before and after the intervention. The interventions consisted of staff training, educating the patient and his family and provision of supplies and aids. Almost all patients complied with the given advice and were using the aids provided. Improvement was noted in physical, social and disability status. About 25% indicated that they could now undertake activities of daily life and 43% stated that they could attend to their vocation. Substantial improvement in service provider's knowledge and skill was observed. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the sustainability of results.
Joshi
Bombay Leprosy Project, VN Purav Marg, Chunnabatti, Sion, Mumbai.
Revankar
C R
CR
D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006296:Health Services; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance