02738nas a2200241   4500000000100000008004100001260001900042653002900061653001500090653002100105653001200126100002300138700001500161700001800176700001500194700001500209245012200224856005200346300001100398490000700409520206600416022001402482       2026                            d  c06/2026bLepra10aHealth-seeking behaviour10aDisability10aDiagnostic delay10aleprosy1 aMiralpes Ebisawa N1 aSan Juan J1 aGo Baluyot KR1 aGabriel RM1 aGabriel MT00aFactors affecting the health-seeking behaviour of leprosy patients in a tertiary referral hospital in the Philippines  uhttps://leprosyreview.org/article/97/2/20-25124  a1 - 100 v973 a<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>
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