An epidemiological study of leprosy through school survey in Surat District (South Gujarat).

A school survey covering 21,412 students attending 30 primary and secondary schools in Surat city and 25 primary and secondary schools in surrounding villages was carried out. The overall prevalence rate of leprosy was 0.12% and it was significantly higher in rural area. Prevalence of leprosy did not show any association with the age of students but male preponderance was observed. Prevalence rate increased significantly with deterioration of socio-economical condition and home sanitary condition. B.C.G. vaccination seemed to protect against leprosy in rural area. Majority of the cases (92.3%) were non-lepromatous type. Single skin lesion was seen in 15.4% cases only. Nearly 1/3 of the total skin lesions were observed on the area of skin covered by clothes.