The psychosocial, economic and physical status of former leprosy patients in Uganda

This study investigates the general living condition, the psychosocial, eco nomical and physical situation of 161 leprosy patients previously treated a t the St. Francis Leprosy Hospital at Buluba/Uganda, basing on interviews a nd clinical examinations. The results point to a negative correlation betwe en general education and specific knowledge of leprosy and highlight a seri ous psychosocial situation of previously treated leprosy patients. The most important conclusion is that besides leprosy-specific chemotherapy, lifelo ng extensive general and leprosy-specific health education and posttreatmen t care can prevent disabilities in leprosy patients.