Epidemiology and grade 2 disability of leprosy among migrant and resident patients in Guangdong

Introduction: Leprosy remains a major public health concern worldwide and one of the leading causes of disability. New cases of leprosy with grade 2 disability (G2D) often reflect delayed detection due to the limited capacity of the health system to recognize leprosy early. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and G2D of leprosy among migrant and resident patients with leprosy in Guangdong province, China. Methods: Data on newly diagnosed cases of leprosy were collected from the leprosy management information system in China. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe the status of G2D. Joinpoint regression model and logistic regression were performed to analyze the temporal trends and influencing factors for G2D. Results: The G2D rate among migrant, resident, and total patients with leprosy was 17.5%, 18.7%, and 18.4%, respectively. The total G2D rate increased significantly from 18.0% in 2001 to 25.7% in 2021 (average annual per cent change: 2.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed that factors that negatively influence G2D between migrant and resident patients included delayed discovery time (migrants: OR = 2.57; residents: OR = 4.99) and nerve damage when diagnosed (migrants: OR = 9.40; residents: OR = 21.28). Discussion: Our findings indicate that the targeted intervention measures implemented by our health system are urgently needed to improve the current situation, such as programs to promote early detection, strengthen awareness and skills of healthcare workers, and rehabilitation for disabled patients to improve their quality of life

Environmental health · Leprosy · Pathology · Computer Science · Dermatological diseases and infestations · Health Education and Validation · Leprosy Research and Treatment · Medicine · Dermatology · Epidemiology · Gerontology

• Analysis of the status of leprosy symptom surveillance in Guangdong province

  Open Access•Lei Chen, Quan Luo et al.•BMC Public Health•2025

  Incluir item

• Participatory development of Indonesia’s national action plan for zero leprosy

  Open Access•Perigrinus Hermin Sebong, Astri Ferdiana et al.•Frontiers in Public Health•2025

  Incluir item

• Epidemiologic characteristics of leprosy in Mainland China, 2004–2020

  Open Access•Yuanchao Yang, Jiaqi Zeng et al.•Frontiers in Public Health•2025

  Incluir item

• Epidemiological situation of leprosy in a province in China

  Open Access•Qingping Zhang, Qing-Ping Zhang et al.•BMC Public Health•2020

  Incluir item

• Migration among individuals with leprosy

  Open Access•Christine Murto, Juan F Gallardo et al.•Cadernos de Saude Publica•2014

  Incluir item