Environmental Risk Factors Associated With Leprosy Incidence In Buton Regency Southeast Sulawesi Province

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae which attacks peripheral nerves and human skin. The purpose of this study was to analyze environmental risk factors for leprosy in the Buton Regency area. This type of research is an observational analytic study with a case control study design. Interviews and measurements of home conditions were carried out on 156 people (52 cases and 104 controls) using purposive sampling technique with a ratio of 1:2 by age and sex matching. Data analysis using the chy square test and multiple logistic regression were analyzed using the SPSS version 24 computer program. The results showed that the map of distribution of cases at greater risk in Pasarwajo District had significant variables, namely trust (pvalue= 0.003), contact history (p-value = 0.001) , bathing habits (pvalue=0.001), lighting (pvalue=0.012), ventilation (pvalue=0.022), occupancy density (pvalue=0.000) while humidity, water availability and latrine ownership were insignificant variables. The results of the logistic regression test showed that occupancy density, bathing habits and contact history were the most influential variables on the incidence of leprosy. Community awareness needs to be increased through counseling and increasing knowledge of environmental hazards, especially unhealthy housing conditions so that home and family health standards can be achieved.

Keywords: Contact History, Lighting, Ventilation, Occupancy Density, Humidity