Awareness of leprosy – knowledge and practices among general practitioners in leprosy endemic areas of Larkana region, Sindh, Pakistan

Objective: To assess awareness about leprosy among general practitioners in endemic areas of Larkana region Sindh, Pakistan. Subjects and methods: The survey was carried out during January to March 2010 among general practitioners practicing in leprosy endemic areas of Larkana region. Results: A total of 250 general practitioners were surveyed by questionnaires. 225 properly filled questionnaires were scrutinized and included in the study. Out of these, 172 (76.4%) practitioners had enough knowledge of the leprosy symptoms, while remaining 53 (23.5%) were unaware of them. Among 172 aware practitioners, 133 (77.3%) had enough knowledge regarding source of leprosy infection while 39 (22.6%) had no such knowledge. Out of these, 133 practitioners who knew the source, 60 (45.2%) were sure about the disease cure but 73 (54.8%) were unsure. Among 60 practitioners who knew about the cure of the disease, 21 (35%) showed social acceptance like having cup of tea with leprosy patients or working in same environment or keeping them as helpers with while 39 (65%) practitioners rejected them socially. Conclusion: Leprosy control needs more efforts to create awareness and to combat irrational fear still largely associated with this disease.