Epidemiological Trend of Leprosy in the Post-Elimination Era at a Referral Centre in Northern Nigeria
Nigeria achieved the leprosy elimination target in the year 2000. Data demonstrating the trend of leprosy in Nigeria during the post-elimination era is limited. This study evaluates the epidemiological trend of leprosy at a referral hospital in Nigeria using leprosy control indicators. A 15...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh, New Delhi
2020
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| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/79376/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/79376/1/2%20U%20Abubakar%20%20et%20al%20%20257-265%20%281%29.pdf |
| Summary: | Nigeria achieved the leprosy elimination target in the year 2000. Data demonstrating the trend of leprosy in
Nigeria during the post-elimination era is limited. This study evaluates the epidemiological trend of leprosy at
a referral hospital in Nigeria using leprosy control indicators. A 15-year retrospective study involving new
leprosy patients registered at a referral hospital in Nigeria was conducted. Patient data were retrieved from
Leprosy register and patient records. Findings shows that the new case detection rate decreased significant
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from 1.6 cases per 10 in 2001 to 0.4 case per 10 by the year 2015 (regression coefficient: -0.113, 95% CI: -
0.159 – -0.067, P < 0.001); representing a 75% decline in new case detection rate. Multibacillary (MB) was the
dominant type of leprosy and the proportion in new cases ranged between 74.5% and 100% during the period
under review. There was also no significant change in the proportion of new cases with Grade-2-Disability
(G2D), 37% in 2001 and 29.2% in 2015. The average proportion of G2D in new cases was 33.6% during the 15
year period. There was a substantial decrease in the incidence of leprosy during the period under review as
reflected in the significant decline in new case detection rate. However, the high proportion of MB cases and
G2D in new case underlines the need to intensify active case finding efforts as we march towards a leprosy-
free-word. While the cases reporting to a referral hospital can not be use to calculate epidemiological
situation at community/population level, these trends appear to be meaningful and can be used to plan
studies as well as interventions at public health level. |
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