Leprostigma : A Concept Analysis

Leprostigma negatively impacts on leprosy afflicted persons (LAPs). Understanding the concept of Leprostigma is very important in providing optimal nursing care for LAPs. However, this concept remains obscure in the literature and has been defined differently in various studies. The use of different terms for this concept has made its use more complicated in practice. This concept analysis attempts to analyze the leprostigma concept to clarify, reduce ambiguities, semantic integration, and increase stability in applying the concept. The relevant literature was reviewed using Walker and Avant's framework, and the attributes of Leprostigma were determined. Leprostigma manifests in three main faces that their attributes determine the boundaries of the concept. Enacted-Leprostigma defines as externally humiliating behaviors and discrimination experienced and perceived by LAPs. Felt-Leprostigma is the anticipation, expectance, prejudgment, or fear of LAPs of label attachment and discrimination by others. Self-leprostigma defines as an unfavorable personal experience of self-discredited, feeling of inferiority, and self-loathing. Leprostigma developed from a primitive concept with emphasis on LAPs attributes to the concept with a complex social structure. It occurs in a broad spectrum of unfair and negative consequences through a dynamic process. This concept analysis can improve the implementation of more extended studies and the development of research tools as well as practice. It is observed that different kinds of Leprostigma have overlapping values and affect each other. As a result of analysis presented in this study, it is recommended that the term "Leprostigma" be used instead of various leprosy-related stigma terms