A study of knowledge and attitude about leprosy among nursing students and nursing staff at a tertiary care health centre in Gujarat

• Author Details:   
• Rita Vora ^*
• Devna S Pillai
• Kishan Jadav
• Shree Dhanani

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Background: Leprosy caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a infectious disease that remains prevalent in India. The disease carries heavy stigma, leading to social and psychological issues like depression. While medical research on leprosy is extensive, its social aspects remain underexplored. Nursing staff forms backbone in patient care, counselling, wound management yet face challenges in integrating leprosy in general health programs. This study aims to assess and improve the knowledge and attitudes of paramedical personnel for leprosy.
Aims and Objectives: To study of Knowledge and attitude about leprosy among nursing students and nursing staff.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for 6 months at a tertiary health institution, Anand and changa. A total of 1000 nursing staff and students participated, with 982 respondents completing a self-administered, pre-structured questionnaire of 35 questions via Google Forms after voluntary consent.
Results: Among total 1000 nursing staff and nursing students enrolled, 982 were respondents. For knowledge 897 correctly identified bacteria as the cause of leprosy, and 808 correctly identified Hansen's disease as synonymous of leprosy. The majority of participants refused to marry one who was previously affected with leprosy but would work together with leprosy patients in same centre. 594 thought that leprosy is highly contagious and 654 thought leprosy patients must be isolated.
Conclusion: The study highlights knowledge gap and stigmatised attitude of nursing staff and students towards leprosy. By addressing these gaps, it contribute to reducing leprosy stigma provide empathetic patient care.Top of Form

Keywords: Mycobacterium leprae, Social stigma, Kushtha rog, Ulnar nerve, Nursing staff