RAPID VILLAGE SURVEY TO DETERMINE THE SIZE OF THE LEPROSY PROBLEM IN KHON-KAEN PROVINCE, THAILAND

The rapid village survey (RVS) method has been developed as a simpler, less-expensive alternative to random sample surveys for determining t he prevalence of leprosy and was compared with a total population surv ey (TVS). In the RVS, the cluster population receives clear informatio n about the disease, and those with symptoms are invited to be examine d by the survey team. A list of household contacts and suspects was ma de and those on the list were actively traced. The registered populati on was 20,815; 10 new patients were found among the 2034 people self-r eporting in the RVS, 0 among the household contacts and suspects, and an additional 2 new patients in the TVS. There were 12 registered pati ents among the sample population. The prevalence rate found by the RVS was 1.06 per 1000 (95% CI = 0.49-1.63) and in the TVS 1.16 per 1000 ( 95% CI = 0.5-1.77). The man-days and costs of an RVS are considerably less than those for a TVS. it was concluded that the RVS is a valid re placement for the TVS as conducted in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Th e RVS carl be applied under low-endemic conditions and could be carrie d out by the general health staff.