LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LEPROSY, ITS TRANSMISSION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS PAIENTS WITH LEPROSY IN PATIENTS VISITING ST’PAULS HOSPITAL MILLINIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE OPD FROM MARCH 25-29, 2018 AND APIRIL 1-5, 2018

Abstract

Summary Leprosy is caused by bacteria mycobacterium leprae though very few believed this. In perception of community leprosy is disabling, incurable, hereditary disease, and associated with dirtiness, oozy and bad smelling wounds. [4] Negative perceptions result in reduced quality of life for leprosy patients and hold back their access to health care services. In Ethiopia Leprosy was identified as major health problem since 1950 and it is still endemic in Oromia, Amhara and Southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge about leprosy, its transmission and attitude towards patients with leprosy among patients visiting St Paul’s OPD from March 25-29, 2018 and April 1-5, 2018. A cross sectional, descriptive study will be undertaken. 234 individuals (aged 18 years and above) who visit the St Paul’s OPD will be included in the study. Data will be assessed by using a pre validated interviewer administrated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics will be used for elaborating patients’ demographic characteristics. The analyses will be performed using SPSS 21. The research will cost total of 2592.7 Ethiopian birr for material cost, human power cost and secretarial service cost including contingency. It’s expected to be completed before July 30, 2018.