Epidemiology of leprosy in tribals of adhaura plateau

Abstract

A door to door survey was carried out in the Adhaura plateau of Bihar, to find out the magnitude of leprosy problems in that area. Out of a total of 7,521 persons, mostly tribals, 5,476 were examined giving a coverage of 72.8%. Prevalence rate of leprosy was 20.6%/1000 population. Maximum prevalence was seen in the age group of 55 and above. The disease was more common in males and in the literate and educated group. The ratio of tuberculoid was 57.5%, borderline 29.0% and lepromatous 10.0, indeterminate type constituted 3.5%. The population had a poor nutritional status with caloric intake of 1471 cal per day.