Early detection of leprosy depends almost completely on voluntary reporting which means knowledge of leprosy regarding its presenting symptoms, causes, transmission, treatment and cure is required. Decreasing awareness can lead to discrimination and stigmatization of leprosy patients. Information, education and communication (IEC) activities have come down drastically in the past two decades with decreasing trends in the leprosy. A community based study was conducted to know the knowledge, attitude and practices towards leprosy in an urban slum in Secunderabad. 100 subjects above 18 years were included in the study. Data was collected on a pretested questionnaire and was analyzed using Epi Info soft ware. Results showed lack of knowledge about the presenting features, cause, transmission and cure of leprosy in the community. Attitude towards leprosy patients is mostly negative with a feeling of pity. Community was more willing to accept the leprosy person if he is a family member rather than an outsider. They were not willing to sit beside, work with, shake hands, share food or buy food or house leprosy patients. Most of the study population was not willing to accept family member marrying leprosy patients. In the post elimination phase where we want to bring down the case load to zero, complacence in the leprosy activities can be detrimental to the society. The need for intensified leprosy IEC activities is emphasized.

Key words: Leprosy, Knowledge, attitude and practices, KAP studies, stigma, community