A Study to Assess The Incidence of Suspect Cases of Leprosy and Tuberculosis at Selected Urban Slum of Pune City

Abstract

Background: Communicable diseases are those that spread by an infectious agent, such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi or parasites. Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but it doesn’t
spread easily and treatment is very effective.1 However, if left untreated, the nerve damage can result in
crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness. Leprosy and Tuberculosis, is been a threatening issue all
over the world. It’s been hugely spreading, since it caused by air-borne organisms and is highly contagious.
It’s been observed that 1/3rd population of the world have latent tuberculosis, which simply means, if not
taken care, they can develop higher stages and get ill. 2
There is a strong need to identify the cases at early
stages so that mortality and morbidity can be prevented
Aim and Objective: This study aims to identify the suspects cases of leprosy and tuberculosis based on
tentative sign and symptoms and its association with the gender so that early detection can be done to reduce
the mortality and morbidity rates.
Research Methodology: The quantitative approach is used for the Study. A descriptive survey design is
adopted on 300 samples which are chosen by the convenience sampling method. An assessment protocol has
been prepared to assess the sign and symptoms of leprosy and Tuberculosis. The suspect cases then referred
to the Urban Primary Health centres for the confirmation of the diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated
at the earliest.
Results and conclusion : The study results showed,almost 13 to 15 suspects found in the Urban slum with
the surveyed population of 300. The associated factors with selected demographic variables were lesion and
eye pain in leprosy cases and cough in Tuberculosis Cases .The suspect cases are referred to UPH where 13
cases of Leprosy and 14 cases of Tuberculosis were confirmed. It is recommended that the associated factors
need to be explored further to rule out the other factors relate to incidence of diseases.