Table 4. Reasons for not consulting doctor at a public health facility immediately after notice of first symptom among new leprosy patients (grade 2 and grade 0 disability at diagnosis) registered in Maharashtra, India (2013–15).
| Reasons for not consulting public health facility as an initial consultation* | Cases n = 48 (%) |
Controls n = 65 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Long waiting time/unsuitable OPD timings | 14 (29%) | 28 (43%) |
| Fear of losing wages | 11 (23%) | 20 (31%) |
| Government facility is far | 8 (17%) | 18 (28%) |
| Staffs are not approachable | 9 (19%) | 14 (22%) |
| Others will know my disease (Stigma) | 7 (15%) | 4 (6%) |
* Out of 210 patients (70 cases and 140 controls) 113 consulted private provider first