Occupational outcomes of reconstructive surgery among individuals with leprosy-related deformities in Telangana

Pavan Kumar Thatoju; Surya Durga Prasad; Sahaja Nagisetty

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262710

Authors

Pavan Kumar Thatoju Department of Public Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Surya Durga Prasad Department of Public Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Sahaja Nagisetty Department of Public Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262710

Keywords:

Disability, Leprosy, Occupational impact, Reconstructive surgery, Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Leprosy related deformities can severely impact an individual’s ability to work, leading to social and economic challenges. Reconstructive surgery (RCS) helps restore mobility and functionality, improving quality of life. However, its overall impact on daily functioning and livelihood remains less explored. This study assesses how RCS influences work and living conditions for individuals with leprosy-related deformities.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a non-governmental organization in Hyderabad, from January to April 2024. A total of 120 adults who underwent RCS for leprosy related deformities in the past 10 years were included. Data were collected through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Occupational impact was assessed using a Likert scale adapted from the Swedish self-reported satisfaction questionnaire.

Results: RCS positively impacted daily activities for 77% of participants, while 16% were neutral and 7% reported a negative effect. For occupation, 53% saw improvement, 31% remained neutral, and 16% experienced a negative impact. However, 41% remained unemployed post-surgery, with many still facing challenges in securing or retaining jobs. A comparison of occupations before and after surgery showed a shift from agriculture, daily wage work, and self-employment to higher unemployment rates.

Conclusions: RCS improves functional abilities and independence in leprosy patients, enhancing their ability to perform daily activities. However, high post-surgery unemployment highlights the need for vocational rehabilitation and social support. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs are essential to facilitate occupational reintegration and long-term well-being.

References

World Health Organization. Leprosy. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy. Accessed 1 April 2025.

Rathod SP, Jagati A, Chowdhary P. Disabilities in leprosy: an open, retrospective analyses of institutional records. An Bras Dermatol. 2020;95(1):52-6.

World Health Organization. Global leprosy (Hansen disease) update, 2023: Elimination of leprosy disease is possible-time to act! Weekly Epidemiological Record. 2024;99(37):501-21.

World Health Organization. Leprosy - Number of new leprosy cases with G2D. Available at: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/leprosy---number-of-new-g2d-cases. Accessed 1 April 2025.

Directorate General of Health Services. National Leprosy Eradication Programme. Available at: https://dghs.mohfw.gov.in/nlep.php. Accessed on 01 May 2026.

Guthi VR, Sreedevi A. Study on disability limitation, rehabilitation and social needs of persons affected by leprosy in Kurnool division of Kurnool district. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2018;5(8):3526-31.

Virmond M, Joshua J, Solomon S, Duerksen F. Surgical aspects in leprosy. In: Scollard DM, Gillis TP, eds. International Textbook of Leprosy. Greenville, SC: American Leprosy Missions; 2017.

Shrivastava K, Ray S, Rathod H, Wahegaonkar AL, Jadhav SL, Mahajan A, et al. Transforming lives: A qualitative study seeking insights into reconstructive surgery for leprosy patients in Western Maharashtra. Cureus. 2024;16(9):e68416.

Palo SK, Swain S, Roul S, Priyadarshini S, Pati S. Improvement in quality of life after reconstructive surgery among leprosy affected persons-a preoperative and postoperative comparison in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. Indian J Lepr. 2019;91(4):303-13.

Roy S, Elkana M, Elkana V, Darlong J, Govindasamy K. Impact of tendon transfer surgery on function and participation levels among people affected by leprosy. Indian J Lepr. 2024;96:121-31.

Pescarini JM, Strina A, Nery JS, Skalinski LM, Andrade KV, Penna ML, et al. Socioeconomic risk markers of leprosy in high-burden countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2018;12(7):e0006622.

Bunketorp-Käll L, Wangdell J, Reinholdt C, Fridén J. Satisfaction with upper limb reconstructive surgery in individuals with tetraplegia: the development and reliability of a Swedish self-reported satisfaction questionnaire. Spinal Cord. 2017;55(7):664-71.

Thatoju PK, Prasad MSD, Nagisetty S. Quality of life among persons affected by deformities due to leprosy who underwent reconstructive surgery in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Indian J Lepr. 2025;97:251-260.

Bhatt NR, Kakked GA, Vyas K, Merchant R. Reconstructive surgery camp for leprosy deformities in a tertiary hospital: An example of service delivery at low costs. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(7):LC01-4.

Lenka D, Mohapatra A, Kar C. Impact of reconstructive surgery (RCS) among leprosy patients: A social appraisal. InCurrent Topics in Neglected Tropical Diseases 2019. IntechOpen.

Ebenezer M, Rao K, Partheebarajan S. Factors affecting functional outcome of surgical correction of claw hand in leprosy. Indian J Lepr. 2012;84(4):259-64.

Nardi SM, Ikehara E, Pedro HSP and Paschoal VDA (2012). Characterization of the profession/ occupation of individuals affected by leprosy and the relationship with limitations in professional activities. Indian J Lepr. 84(1):1-8.