The Difference of BMI and Micronutrient Intake Between Multibacillary Leprosy and Non Leprosy (A Study in District Brondong, Lamongan 2013)

Background: There is a link between food shortages with leprosy. Some studies showed that the intake of micronutrients (vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc and anti-oxidants) may affect the immunological response. This study aimed to analyze the differences of BMI, intake of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and zinc among leprosy patients (positive serology) with non-leprosy. Method: This was a cross sectional study. Subject consisted of 20 non-leprosy and 20 leprosy patients. The levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti Phenolic Glico lipid (PGL)-1 by ELISA method was used for leprosy screening. The measurement of nutrient intake was conducted by 1 × 24 hour recall and FFQ, treated with Nutrisurvey. Independent t-Test and Mann Whitney Test were used to determine differences in BMI and nutrient intake of leprosy and non-leprosy. Results: Mean BMI, intake of vitamin A, C, E and zinc were better on non-leprosy compare to leprosy patients. The statistic analyze showed significant differences of BMI (p = 0,006), intake of vitamin A (p = 0,027) and zinc (p =0,011) among leprosy and non-leprosy. Conclusion: Health services should conduct counseling about the importance of good nutrition and the consumption of good nutrition to improve immune status, especially for non-leprosy person who lives with leprosy patient to prevent from infection.