Study of leprosy among slum dwellers in Pune. Part II--Disabilities.

While conducting a leprosy survey in an urban slum in Pune 45 cases of leprosy were detected in a population of 4915 and only 7 of these cases had some disability. Disability rate in the leprosy cases was 15.56 percent, and maximum number had Grade 2 disability of hands or feet. Disability was higher in the higher age groups, males, Hindus, widower/widows, unemployed and lower socio-economic classes. Majority of the cases had a very low Disability Index DI (2) between 0.10 to 0.69 which is heartening and proves the successful implementation of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme.

Study of leprosy among slum dwellers in Pune. Part-I. Prevalence.

While conducting a point prevalence total population survey in Ghorpuri slum in Pune, the overall prevalence or leprosy was 9.16 per thousand. The prevalence rate varied in different bastis with Madari basti having a very high prevalence rate of 17.31 per thousand and showing clustering. Prevalence was highest in age group 31-40 years, females, Muslims, Widower/widow, skilled workers, illiterates and primary school educated and the lower socio-economic groups. Joint families had the highest prevalence of leprosy (20.83/1,000) and also higher prevalence was seen in families with more than 7 members.