Socio-economic experiences of leprosy patients.

Abstract

225 adult leprosy patients were interviewed to study their socio-economic experiences, about various aspects of their lives. It was observed that 17.34%, 14.33% and 45.78% of patients experienced negative reactions from their families, spouses and society members, respectively. Out of 79 unmarried patients, 53 (67.1%) attributed leprosy as the only reason for not getting a partner for marriage. Out of 146 married patients, 34 (23.3%) were not living with their spouses; this also included 9 (6.2%) patients, deserted by their partners. Leprosy uprooted 44 (13.55%) patients from their residences, of whom 27 settled in leprosy village/settlement. The occupational status of 104 (46.22%) patients was adversely affected due to leprosy, of whom 43 became dependents and 17 beggars. Monthly income of 115 (51.1%) patients reduced to the extent of 84%, after getting leprosy. The social prejudice and deformities due to leprosy, have played key roles in socio-economic deterioration of patients. The leprosy control programme (LCP) need to be implemented more efficiently and effectively, with active involvement of communities. The socio-medical units, if included in LCP, may be utilized more effectively to prevent the socio-economic dehabilitation of patients, as well to tackle the abnormal psycholygical behaviours of patients.