Health seeking behaviour of leprosy affected patients at a tertiary leprosy hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the priorities of leprosy affected patients in seeking anti-leprosy treatment have been affected. This study was initiated at a tertiary leprosy hospital in India to understand the health seeking behaviour of leprosy affected patients who delayed their treatment. A total of 164 patients who delayed their treatment during the COVID-19 lockdown were recruited. The health seeking behaviour and treatment methods adopted by the patients during the lockdown were retrospectively analysed through an exploratory study. Lockdown prevented travel in many cases, but stigma was not an important factor in those who delayed. Of the 164 subjects, 17 developed new leprosy-related impairments. Of those who delayed, patients with plantar ulcers carried out self-care that had been taught to them earlier and they could continue treatment in spite of the lockdown. Reinforcing the patients regularly through health education and self-care teaching helped them to manage and prevent worsening of leprosy related impairments.