Disability in leprosy: a relevant measurement of progress in leprosy control

Abstract

There were 931 leprosy patients detected in a Leprosy Control Project in Karnataka, India, giving a prevalence of 4.86/1000. Of these, 292 cases had some disability and were analyzed in detail using the WHO Disability Index DI-2. The effects of different forms of treatment on this Index were examined. Incidence of disability was a more relevant measurement of the effectiveness of leprosy control than the incidence of cases. Secondary preventative measures were unlikely to prevent new cases; primary preventative measures for disability should affect the incidence of disability.