Implementation of tests for monitoring drug compliance of leprosy out-patients under multi-drug therapy.

The field workers of two MDT districts (Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh and Ganjam in Orissa) were trained for implementation of 'Paper Spot Test together with Pill/Capsule count methods' of monitoring the treatment compliance of leprosy out-patients receiving MDT. All the workers recognized the importance of implementing these methods and found them operationally feasible, in field. Of the 672 Paucibacillary and 749 multibacillary cases monitored for drug compliance, 85-88% cases showed regular compliance (more than 75% drug intake) to dapsone. The compliance to Clofazimine among Multibacillary cases was better (94% regular) than dapsone compliance. Both these monitoring methods are advocated to be used on larger scale under our National Leprosy Eradication Programme.