Awareness rate of core knowledge on leprosy among close contacts of leprosy patients in Guizhou province

Objective To examine the awareness of core knowledge about leprosy among close contacts of leprosy patients in Guizhou province and to provide a basis for future development of health education on leprosy in the province.Methods A household survey was carried out among close contacts of surviving leprosy patients registered between January 1st,2005 and December 31st,2013 in Guizhou province with a questionnaire about the awareness of core knowledge for leprosy.Results Among the 5 497 participants,4 275 gave correct answers to 5 or more questions about core knowledge of leprosy,with an awareness rate of 77.77%;the correct rates for answers to every single question relevant to the core knowledge on leprosy ranged between 70.00% and 84.00%.The proportions of the participants acquiring core knowledge of leprosy from promotional materials,family members/friends/colleagues,and consultation with doctors were 47.88%(2 562),46.72%(2 500),and 44.70%(2 392),respectively.Gender,age and educational level had influences on the level of the awareness among the participants,and the female participants,those aged 13-20 years and more than 60 years old,and being illiteracy or with the education of primary school had a lower awareness rate.Conclusion The awareness rate of core knowledge on leprosy is relatively high among close contacts of leprosy patients in Guizhou province and the situation may be concerned in health education on leprosy.