Comparative Study of Knowledge and Awareness about Leprosy among Medical College Students Pre and Post State Leprosy Sensitisation Program in Mewat, Haryana, India

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease which still remains a serious public health problem causing various disabilities. The prevention of leprosy ultimately lies in the early diagnosis and awareness about the disease. Changing leprosy scenario has led to requirement of leprosy education among the health workers and health care providers. However, the knowledge of medical college students on leprosy remains unknown. Aim: To assess the knowledge and awareness about leprosy among medical students pre and post state leprosy sensitisation program. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based, cross sectional study was conducted among 135 medical students before the sensitisation and 107 medical students after sensitisation program, of different years starting from second year and onwards in the month of July 2017. Results: Among the medical students, who participated in the study, 67% (90) of pre sensitisation students were male and 33% (45) of them were females and 65% (70) of post sensitisation students were male and 35% (37) of them were females. Increase in knowledge and awareness about leprosy was found among medical students of all years from SHKM Government Medical College post sensitisation program as compared to previous knowledge and awareness before sensitisation program. Conclusion: These observations suggest that the basic and in-depth knowledge of medical students' pre and post sensitisation program shows significant difference in their knowledge and awareness about leprosy owing part of their curriculum and sensitisation program. However, there is still a need to organise sensitisation programs for health care providers at regular intervals for early diagnosis, prevention and better management.