Addressing multimorbidity in Leprosy: A retrospective chart review from India
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pntd.0013503
- PMID
- 41701769
- PMCID
- PMC12923119
- OpenAlex
- W7129435977
- Study type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
Results highlight the necessity for coordinated screening initiatives and adaptable care frameworks to manage overlapping health burdens within this marginalized demographic.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
This investigation examines the prevalence and demographic correlates of co-occurring health conditions among adults receiving leprosy treatment.
Study design
A retrospective mixed-methods analysis combining electronic medical record extraction with qualitative focus group discussions conducted across multiple clinical facilities.
Population and setting
Adult patients diagnosed with leprosy attending six tertiary referral hospitals in India during the 2021 to 2022 period.
Main findings
Combined diagnoses affected 1.7 percent of the cohort, with diabetes representing the most frequent additional condition. Advanced age, male sex, and physical impairment demonstrated statistical association with co-occurring illnesses. Participant interviews identified fragmented service coordination, economic obstacles, and absent treatment protocols as major operational hurdles.
Public-health relevance
Results highlight the necessity for coordinated screening initiatives and adaptable care frameworks to manage overlapping health burdens within this marginalized demographic.
Important limitations
The summary is restricted to the supplied single-article abstract and metadata, requiring the original manuscript for comprehensive methodological assessment and decision-grade interpretation.
GIDS interpretation
This record provides foundational epidemiological context regarding disease clustering within a defined national healthcare network, supporting targeted literature retrieval for leprosy management reviews.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 6 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.