01742nas a2200313   4500000000100000008004100001653001600042653001000058653001600068653000900084653001200093653001000105653001100115653001500126653001100141653000900152653001000161100001000171700001300181700001000194700001300204700001500217245007100232856005100303300001000354490000700364520104300371022001401414       2015                            d10aYoung Adult10aShoes10aMiddle Aged10aMale10aleprosy10aIndia10aHumans10aFoot Ulcer10aFemale10aAged10aAdult1 aLal V1 aSarkar D1 aDas S1 aMahato M1 aSRINIVAS G00aA study to assess the usage of MCR footwear in West Bengal, India.  uhttps://leprosyreview.org/article/86/3/27-3277  a273-70 v863 a<p>The routine use of appropriate footwear is an important intervention to prevent disability in leprosy. We conducted a study to assess utilisation of MCR footwear and observe the condition of footwear. Fifty-six persons affected by leprosy who had been provided MCR footwear in the preceding 3 years were paid home visit and administered a semi-structured interview schedule. Although a total of 30 participants reported using special footwear currently, only 10 reported usage during participation in social events. On observation, 16 pairs were found to be in an unusable condition owing to foot deformity and another 14 pairs in poor condition. In order to ensure greater utilisation of special footwear, the National Programme may seek local solutions through engagement of cobblers and shoemakers with appropriate training in customisation. Persons affected by leprosy should be empowered to appreciate the benefits of special footwear and to take care of themselves, including taking responsibility for using their footwear.</p>
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