Social problems of women leprosy patients - A study conducted at 2 urban leprosy centres in Delhi

Abstract

Leprosy seems to afflict women less commonly than men, but for cultural reasons this difference may be more apparent than real. Unfortunately, the effects are as equally devastating, if not more so, in women than in men. This study, carried out at the Urban Leprosy Centres of Safdarjung Hospital and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, showed that the impact of stigmata attached to leprosy had more effect on educated women belonging to a higher socioeconomic group than on less fortunate women. Discriminative attitudes were more common in joint than nuclear families. Although many got support from their families, the disease had definite psychological effects. Because of the fear of infecting the family members, women sufferers kept themselves aloof and were constantly worried about divorce. Fear of social ostracism prevented the disclosure of disease to the community. Deformities and disabilities led to a deterioration in their functional capabilities and their psychological state of mind. Pregnancy did not affect regularity of treatment. Many women needed an escort to attend the clinic. Solutions to minimize some problems have been suggested.