Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2017
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue: 1

Use of Alternative System of Medicine other than MDT by Leprosy Patients

1Associate Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, Hi-Tech Medical College, Rourkela, Orissa

2Prof. & Head, Dept. of Skin & VD, S. S. Hospital, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, U.P.

3Ex Prof. & Head, Dept. of PSM, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, U.P.

Online published on 4 January, 2017.

Abstract

To identify the use of alternative system of medicine other than MDT by leprosy patients.

251 study subjects were selected randomly attending the Skin & VD OPD of S. S. Hospital of IMS, BHU, Varanasi. Questions related to alternative system of medicine were administered to leprosy patients aged 15 years or above by the interviewer himself.

MDT was initial treatment of 41.8% of the patients. Homeopathy (36.3%) was the most popular treatment among the alternative system of medicine. About three fourth of patients went for more than one treatment.

Homeopaths are hurdle in the success of NLEP. There is need to improve the compliance to MDT.

Keywords

Leprosy, MDT, Alternative medicine, Homeopathy