01608nas a2200253 4500000000100000008004100001260001300042653003300055653001300088653002800101653002100129653004200150653001100192653001200203653003800215100001800253700001500271245008800286300001000374490000700384050001800391520093100409022001401340 1994 d c1994 Jun10aAttitude of Health Personnel10aBotswana10aCommunity participation10aHealth Education10aHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice10aHumans10aleprosy10aPatient Acceptance of Health Care1 aKumaresan J A1 aMaganu E T00aKnowledge and attitude of health workers towards leprosy in north-western Botswana. a366-70 v71 aKUMARESAN19943 a

The knowledge and attitude of health workers in north-western Botswana towards leprosy was determined by interviewing ninety nine health workers from various health institutions. Knowledge on causation of leprosy was generally lacking. Although majority of respondents knew that the disease is curable, less than half knew the correct duration of treatment. The attitude of service providers was influenced by poor knowledge, and more than a third claimed that patients should be isolated. The pattern of health seeking behaviour, initially traditional or religious healers and then modern health facilities, was a significant finding. In order to ensure early case detection and prevent deformities, it is vital that education of community, patients and health workers is provided to an extent that health seeking behaviour is altered. Traditional and religious leaders must also be included in such training sessions.

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