Factors Influencing Leprosy-Affected People for Migration, Distant Registration and their Effect on Leprosy Services in Bangladesh

The research investigated factors affecting migration, distant registration and their expected effects on leprosy service in Bangladesh. This qualitative study was conducted from April 2018 to September 2019. 130 leprosy-affected people (LAP) were selected for in-depth interview (IDI) and 23 professionals for Key informant's interview. A Semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Different factors were identified by key informants (KIs) and IDI participants (IDIPs) both for migration and for distant registration. Main factors for migration of LAP, mentioned by both groups, were fear of social exclusion. Lack of treatment facilities under the treatment category, job transfer under financial category and marriage under the personal category are the other main influencing factors for migration. Reasons for leprosy cases registering in distant places are similar to reasons for migration: lack of expert professionals under treatment category, relatives' influence under the personal category and job transfer under the financial category. It is concluded that migration and distant registration should be considered in studying the geographical distribution of leprosy. Interpretations proposed by key informants may not reflect the actual field situation. The opinions of those directly affected by leprosy should be sought and heeded in designing and evaluating leprosy programmes.