An epidemiological study of leprosy in a rural community of Pondicherry.

In a rural area, endemic for Leprosy a total population survey had been undertaken in 6 villages covering a population of 5667. Out of the 5281 persons examined, 191 were found to be suffering from leprosy giving a prevalence rate of 36.16/1000. The prevalence was highest in children aged between 5 and 14 years., i.e., 41.61/1000. Among adults the highest prevalence was seen among those aged above 45 years, i.e., 45.66/1000. Both the sexes were found to be equally affected in this area. Tuberculoid leprosy was the most common type found with a prevalence rate of 23.29/1000, followed by Indeterminate type with a prevalence rate of 5.3/1000. Lepromatous rate was 3.69%. The disability rate was found to be 16.23%, with a mean disability index of 0.927.