A Case Control Study of Psychiatric Morbidities among Subjects with Leprosy in Lagos,Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives:

To determine the pattern of psychiatric morbidity prevalent among leprosy patients and to compare it with two control groups; those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and Normal subjects.

Design:

Eighty-eight leprosy patients were matched for age and sex with those suffering from Tinea vesicolor as well as normal subjects. The subjects were assessed for psychiatric morbidity through a clinical interview with PSE-9.

Results:

The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among leprosy patients (580/1000) was significantly more than those with tinea vesicolor patients (182/1000) and normal subjects (148/1000) (p < 0.05). Depressive illness was the most common diagnosis in the three groups.

Conclusions:

Leprosy patients are more likely to manifest with psychiatric illness than those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and normal subjects.

Keywords

psychiatric morbidities leprosy tinea vesicolor case control study

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