01750nas a2200181 4500000000100000008004100001100001600042700001400058700001000072700001600082700001600098700001200114245003000126856006200156300001000218490000600228520133400234 2015 d1 aMarahatta S1 aGhimire A1 aJha N1 aRayamajhi S1 aPokhrel S M1 aJirel S00aSocial stigma in leprosy. uhttp://www.nepjol.info/index.php/JCMC/article/view/13148 a6 -100 v53 a
Leprosy, an infectious disease, is a highly stigmatized disease. It directly affects patients’ physical, psychological, social and economical well-being. To know the stigma faced by the patients in the family and community. The study was carried out at Netherlands Leprosy Relief, Biratnagar, Nepal. Verbal consent was taken from each patient. A total number of 34 patients who were diagnosed to have leprosy were interviewed. Data were collected using structured interview schedule that included questions seeking information about all aspects of objective. Although both men and women faced the social stigma of the disease, women suffered more rejection by the family members (50%), neighborhood (75%) and work places (62.5%) in comparison to male patients, who are affected maximum at work places (39%) and minimum in family (7.69%). Illiterate were avoided by family members (25%) and co-workers (75%) whereas literate were not. All unemployed patients were neglected in community whereas only 21.42% of employed were neglected. Leprosy is a highly stigmatized disease. Patients are neglected by their family and society. Therefore community education component of Leprosy Control Program needs to be strengthened.
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