Survey on Awareness among Physiotherapists for Prevention and Management of Disabilities in Patients with Leprosy

Leprosy affects the skin and peripheral nerves, leading to skin lesions, sensory loss, muscle weakness, and joint contractures which can eventually lead to disability, dysfunction, and disfiguration. Role of physiotherapists is considered important in the management of leprosy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate awareness among physiotherapists’ regarding prevention and management of disabilities in patients with leprosy. A descriptive study was conducted among 272 physiotherapists from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire regarding prevention and management of disabilities in leprosy patients. The present study reported a high level of awareness among physiotherapists (99.6%) regarding leprosy and importance of physiotherapy interventions in preventing and managing secondary complications. A total of 78.15% of the participants had the knowledge regarding preventive strategies in leprosy and 84.46% of the participants had knowledge about various rehabilitation protocols for disability management in leprosy patients. Findings from the present study demonstrated that physiotherapists in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are aware regarding leprosy, its prevention and management strategies for managing disabilities in patients with leprosy.