Leprosy among adolescents in Kolkata, India.

Leprosy, manifesting during adolescence when significant physical and emotional changes are taking place, poses further stress and strain both on the individual and on the family. Based on hospital records, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, data on 258 adolescent leprosy patients seen at a leprosy referral hospital in Kolkata, India, are presented. The male-female sex ratio was 1.

Patients' perceptions of reconstructive surgery in leprosy.

Reconstructive surgery has made significant advances in correcting deformities in leprosy. However, several patients seem hesitant and unenthusiastic to take advantage of this facility. A study was therefore carried out at the Leprosy Mission Hospital in Kolkata during 1999, to assess patients' perceptions to reconstructive surgery.