@article{103470,
  keywords = {Health-seeking behaviour, Disability, Diagnostic delay, leprosy},
  author = {Miralpes Ebisawa N and San Juan J and Go Baluyot KR and Gabriel RM and Gabriel MT},
  title = {Factors affecting the health-seeking behaviour of leprosy patients in a tertiary referral hospital in the Philippines},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background</strong></p>

<p>Despite ongoing control programmes, leprosy remains a public health concern in the Philippines. Delayed consultation and inappropriate health-seeking practices contribute to continued transmission and preventable disabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Objective</strong></p>

<p>This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting the health-seeking behaviours of leprosy patients who were seen at a tertiary referral hospital in the Philippines.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>This cross-sectional study included 213 individuals diagnosed with leprosy between September 2023 and September 2024. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to gather socio-demographic data, clinical characteristics, and details on their treatment pathways. Appropriate health-seeking behaviour was defined as consulting a qualified medical professional immediately upon the onset of symptoms. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Only 31.5% of patients demonstrated appropriate health-seeking behaviour. Inappropriate behaviour was associated with low educational attainment (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11–0.62) and low family income (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.54–7.91). Older age at diagnosis (≥60 years) and older age at symptom onset were linked to better health-seeking behaviour. The median time between symptoms and diagnosis was 15 months; however, treatment adherence was still excellent (85.6%) following diagnosis.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>Educational level, income, and age significantly influence the health-seeking behaviour of leprosy patients. Younger and less educated individuals, as well as those with lower income, are more prone to inappropriate health-seeking behaviour. Strengthening community-based education, improving health literacy, and enhancing access to early diagnostic services are essential steps for reducing leprosy-related disability and preventing transmission.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Leprosy Review},
  volume = {97},
  pages = {1 - 10},
  month = {06/2026},
  publisher = {Lepra},
  issn = {2162-8807},
  url = {https://leprosyreview.org/article/97/2/20-25124},
  doi = {10.47276/lr.97.2.2025124},
  language = {ENG},
}