Are there 'ghost' leprosy patients in Nigeria? An audit of the point prevalence of leprosy at 30 September 1996 in seven Sates

摘要

How much do statistical reports of national leprosy control programs reflect the actual number of leprosy patients registered in clinics? An audit of the point prevalence at the end of September 1996 in seven States of Nigeria revealed that up to two out of every five reported cases did not exist. The proportions of 'ghost' cases in the individual States suggest that the level of over-reporting of prevalence statistics by leprosy control programs could be very high and could have significant economic concerns.