Explanatory models and help-seeking behaviour of leprosy patients in Adamawa State, Nigeria

摘要

In northern Nigeria 60 leprosy patients, 49 outpatients and 11 in-patient, were interviewed about their help-seeking behaviour and explanatory models before their first contact with the leprosy services. Most patients showed a delay of more than 1 year. After leprosy was provisionally diagnosed by lay persons, 27/100 of patients found their way to the leprosy services within 3 months. Chemists (popular sector) and the professional sector frequently missed the diagnosis. If early case finding is to be improved, it is important to involve them in case finding activities and to train them in adequate diagnostic skills.