OBJECTIVE: To determine if recurrence of ulcers and physical deformity in leprosy is associated with employment status and compliance with health promotion advice.
METHODS: Between April-August 1992, a cohort of 55 consecutive leprosy patients admitted with skin ulcers were studied for ulcer recurrence, physical deformity (taking into account neuromuscular and skeletal damage), employment status, compliance with health promotion advice and knowledge of the disease.
RESULTS: High grade physical deformity was present in 34/55 (62%) patients while recurrent ulceration occurred in 40/55 (75%) patients. With regard to employment status, the odds of high grade physical deformity were significantly higher for street traders and unemployed compared to semiskilled and skilled workers (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.01-19.8, p = 0.03). There was a trend of higher odds of recurrence of ulcers for street traders and unemployed compared to semiskilled and skilled workers (odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 0.5-9.4, p = 0.2). With regard to health promotion, there was poor compliance with advice about protective footwear and care of insensitive extremities. Level of knowledge about the disease and its prevention was also inadequate.
CONCLUSION: Physical deformity was associated with lack of reasonable employment among leprosy patients. There was poor compliance with preventative advice. Health promotion strategies should be directed toward targeted health education and prevention of physical deformities.
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