@article{103619,
  keywords = {leprosy, Community health, remote island, Resilience, Stigma},
  author = {Gudipun L and Limbu R and Nayoan C},
  title = {A qualitative case study on the resilience of leprosy patients facing community stigma in Sikka Regency, Indonesia},
  abstract = {<p>Stigmatization of leprosy remains a major obstacle in the recovery process leading to isolation, discrimination and adversely affecting their mental and emotional health. This study aims to explore how leprosy patients in the Palue Health Center working area build resilience in the face of such stigma. Qualitative with a case study design, involving leprosy patients who have achieved resilience referring to The Resilience Scale. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques according to Braun & Clarke's frameworks. Three main themes were identified from the experiences of leprosy patients: (1) forms of stigma against leprosy patients; (2) stages of achieving resilience, and (3) aspects that support the development of resilience. Resilience is the key that helps leprosy patients overcome psychological and social stress, maintain mental health, and improve quality of life. Physical rehabilitation alone is not enough; a holistic approach must be applied, which includes psychological support to help leprosy patients deal with the emotional and social stress of stigma. Social support from family, community and health workers is essential in strengthening the support system for leprosy patients and reducing feelings of isolation. Public education about leprosy needs to be improved to reduce stigma and discrimination, so that people with leprosy can more easily reintegrate into society. The involvement of families and health workers in the rehabilitation process plays an important role in helping leprosy patients build resilience, so that they can better cope with stigma and life challenges. This study is quite limited in capturing resilience and can only offers a snapshot of resilience at a single time point and recommend future longitudinal research to better capture its development over time.</p>},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Psychology, health & medicine},
  pages = {1 - 21},
  month = {03/2026},
  issn = {1465-3966},
  doi = {10.1080/13548506.2026.2649147},
  language = {ENG},
}