Factors affecting the health-seeking behaviour of leprosy patients in a tertiary referral hospital in the Philippines

Background

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. 

Objective

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.