A study on the basic knowledge, attitude and practices about leprosy among the first year medical and paramedical students of a medical college in South Kerala

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease which has a potential for deformities and is associated with social stigma and discrimination. Changing leprosy scenario has led to requirement of change in leprosy education. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the baseline knowledge, attitude and practices about leprosy among the first year medical and paramedical students of a Medical College in South Kerala. The study included 155 students. Data was collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Eventhough there was good knowledge regarding mode of spread of the disease among students, there is stigma towards even the treated cases.86.5% said that leprosy is treatable but most of them are unaware of the free MDT of leprosy. Study concludes that there are deficiencies in knowledge and persisting stigma regarding leprosy in the study subjects.