Knowledge and attitudes on leprosy of healthcare workers in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines

Abstract

Background/Objectives The drivers of stigma may vary from one society or country to another; thus, it is necessary to identify these drivers so that stigma elimination programs would be locally relevant. This study aimed to determine the current knowledge and attitudes on leprosy of healthcare workers in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines which will serve as the basis for our future leprosy awareness campaigns. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 265 healthcare workers in Rizal Medical Center (RMC), Philippines from January to March 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographics and study variables. Results A majority had high (36.2%) or medium (35.5%) knowledge on leprosy. A majority (62.3%) had positive attitudes towards leprosy. However, only 18.5% knew that leprosy is transmitted through inhalation and a majority thought that it is transmitted either through body fluids and secretions (52.8%) or open wounds (27.5%). Only about half knew that a patient on treatment can no longer transmit the disease and does not need to be isolated, and that a patient who has completed treatment but still exhibits manifestations of the disease can no longer transmit the disease. Conclusion Although a majority had either high or medium knowledge on leprosy and a positive attitude towards leprosy, we identified misconceptions and knowledge

Leprosy orientation for final year medical students

“…Similar improvement was seen in studies carried out Sri Lanka, Philippines and Malaysia even though these were carried out among health care workers. 3,21,22 Leprosy orientation for final year medical students helped them in their exit examinations, especially in Dermatology, assessment of nerve damage and management of nerve impairments. This could be used as an incentive in preparing students especially in Government Medical Colleges in India to manage leprosy later, since not all of these students after graduation would be posted to Primary Health Centres, where diagnosis and treatment of leprosy are mostly done.…”

Factors affecting treatment adherence among leprosy patients: Perceptions of healthcare providers

“…On a smaller scale, medical societies and health advocates should take the lead in correcting misconceptions of people regarding leprosy; specifically, misconceptions that leprosy is highly contagious, that leprosy is due to bad luck or an act of God, and that leprosy is not curable. Such misconceptions remain common, as shown in recent studies conducted in India, Ethiopia, Nepal, and the Philippines [ [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] ].…”

Kiến Thức Về Bệnh Phong Của Cán Bộ Y Tế Cơ Sở Và Tình Nguyện Viên Làm Công Tác Chống Phong Tại 10 Tỉnh Ở Việt Nam

“…Đa số (62,3%) có thái độ tích cực với bệnh phong. Tuy nhiên, chỉ khoảng một nửa biết rằng một bệnh nhân đang điều trị thì không còn lây truyền bệnh nữa và không cần phải cách ly 8 . Các nghiên cứu trên cho thấy rằng, hiểu nhầm về bệnh phong không chỉ gặp ở Việt Nam, mà còn gặp ở nhiều nơi trên toàn thế giới, đặc biệt ở các nước đang phát triển.…”