Leprosy: between acceptance and segregation. Community behaviour towards persons affected by leprosy in eastern Nepal

Abstract

This study describes community behaviour towards persons affected by leprosy in the eastern Terai districts of Nepal. The results show that 95% of the persons affected by leprosy recognized by the community have visible signs such as wounds, swellings and deformed feet or hands. Persons affected by leprosy still experience negative behaviour. Motives for negative community behaviour are mostly found in the fact that people fear infection by germs, but fear of a curse from God is also mentioned. This study shows that negative community behaviour is still present in eastern Nepal. Leprosy is more than a disease; the disease can nowadays be medically cured, but the sickness of leprosy still remains. Leprosy control programmes should focus on prevention of impairments and disabilities, because it seems that a visible sign is an important trigger for negative community behaviour.