Objective:

To describe the frequency, clinical-demographic characteristics and factors related to delayed diagnosis, incomplete treatments, and development of disability from admission to discharge of patients enrolled in the “Hansen's Disease Control Program of Valle del Cauca”, from 2010 to 2016.

Methodology:

A descriptive observational study of a retrospective cohort of patients with leprosy was conducted.

Results:

The average incidence was 0.99 cases / 100 000 inhabitants. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range: 39-65); 58.82% were men, 49.73 % belonged to the subsidized regime. 83.68% were new cases, of which 76.47% were multibacillary (47.9% with lepromatous leprosy). 59.54% were disabled, and 10.54% experienced leprotic reactions. 50% had a delayed diagnosis, and 9.09 % abandoned treatment. Significant dependence was found between delayed diagnosis and disability at admission (OR: 2.09, CI 95 %: 1.28-3.41, p = 0.003), and between non-completion of treatment and prior treatment (OR: 2.82, CI 95 %: 1.28-6.18, p = 0.009).

Conclusion:

Leprosy continues to be frequent in Valle del Cauca. Delayed diagnosis and disability at admission imply late identification of patients in advanced stages. Abandonment and disability are additional factors in this complex situation. It is evident the need to strengthen current interventions aimed at the patient, their home contacts, healthcare workers, and the community.

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