02277nas a2200265   4500000000100000008004100001260005500042653001500097653001200112653002500124653003200149653003900181653001600220100001600236700001700252700001900269700001700288700001100305700001200316245015600328856010500484300000800589520138900597022002501986       2025                            d  c12/2025bOvid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)10aDisability10aPoverty10aburden of disability10aPersons affected by leprosy10apersons affected by hansen disease10aUnmet needs1 aKomarraju S1 aSathyanath D1 aMuralidharan S1 aNivethitha L1 aDevi K1 aKumar N00aBurden of Disability, Poverty, and Unmet Needs Among Persons Affected by Hansen’s Disease: Insights from Antulya Nagar, Pune- A Cross-Sectional Study  uhttps://journals.lww.com/jpbs/fulltext/9900/burden_of_disability,_poverty,_and_unmet_needs.1306.aspx  a1-33 a<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>

<p>Persons affected by leprosy (PAL) continue to face socio-economic deprivation and unmet health needs despite advances in treatment. Understanding their living conditions, health practices, knowledge, and felt needs is essential for planning effective interventions.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong></p>

<p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 138 PAL residing in a resettlement colony. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, housing conditions, health practices, knowledge regarding leprosy, and perceived needs.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong></p>

<p>All participants belonged to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. Most resided in semi-pakka houses (77.5%), with 60.1% reporting unsafe construction and 46.4% inadequate living space. 73.2% reported no knowledge about the disease causation. The most common felt needs were free medical services (61.6%), housing support (19.6%), and livelihood opportunities (15.9%).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p>

<p>PAL face multiple vulnerabilities arising from poverty, inadequate housing, risky health practices, and poor disease knowledge. Addressing these requires integrated strategies that combine medical care, health education, livelihood opportunities, and social security measures to improve quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes.</p>
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