Pattern and predictors of lepra reactions among patients treated for leprosy in southeast Nigeria: a mixed methods study

Emeka E. Okoh; Inumanye N. Ojule; Linda O. Amah; Joel C. Okoh; Nnaemeka E. Sibeudu; Stella I. Odumegwu

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251353

Authors

Emeka E. Okoh Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Inumanye N. Ojule Preventive and Social Medicine Department, School of Graduate Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Linda O. Amah Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
Joel C. Okoh St. Sylvester Specialist Hospital and Urology Centre, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
Nnaemeka E. Sibeudu Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Stella I. Odumegwu Ambience Care Limited, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1EL, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251353

Keywords:

Lepra reactions, Lepra type 1, Lepra type 2, Leprosy, Pattern, Predictors

Abstract

Background: Lepra reactions occur among patients treated for leprosy. This study aimed to assess the pattern and predictors of lepra reactions in southeast Nigeria.

Methods: This is a convergent parallel mixed-methods study that determined the pattern and explored the experiences of leprosy patients. Participants were recruited by cluster sampling technique. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were done. In addition, in-depth and key informant interviews were conducted.

Results: There were 71 participants in total, comprising 35 males (49.3%) and 36 females (50.7%) with a mean age of 60.39±16.327. The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 lepra reactions were 59.2% (95% CI 47.14-70.17) and 35.2% (95% CI 27.30-50.07) respectively. Type 1 lepra reaction (LR) was significantly associated with gender (p<0.023) and farming (p<0.044). Furthermore, Paucibacillary leprosy (PB) was significantly associated with both types 1 (p<0.022) and 2 (p<0.011) lepra reactions. Type of diagnosis (PB) was a significant predictor of type 1 LR 5.89 (95% CI 1.58 - 21.99) and type 2 LR 8.76 (95% CI 1.67-46.15). Worsening and new lesions led to discrimination and stigmatization for leprosy survivors.

Conclusions: Lepra reactions are common among leprosy patients in southeast Nigeria. Male gender, farming and PB leprosy were found to be predictors of leprosy reactions.

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