Gender differentials in the social impact of leprosy

Abstract

Summary Prevalence rates ofleprosy have reduced considerably in many states where multidrug therapy is in operation. However, reduction in prevalence alone is not sufficient as the social consequences of the diseases on the life of the patient are often severe and persist even after its cure. The present paper, therefore, investigates social impact with special reference to gender differentials. Data obtained from structured questionnaires (n = 606) is analysed for this purpose. It was observed that the initial delay in identifying the skin changes as the symptoms of the disease were higher for females (29 months) than males (24 months). Even after identifying the symptoms, women were observed to depend exclusively on nonmedical treatment for a longer period (10 months) than males (6 months). Upon starting the medical treatment fe males were observed to be more compliant than males, but the benefits of regularity appeared to be outweighed by the initial delay in starting medical treatment. The social impact on daily life was more severe for females than males as revealed by the isolation from daily activities, such as, restrictions on participation in fa milial functions, restrictions on touching children. The paper highlights implications of gender bias on detection and treatment, and suggests modifications for control programmes.The leprosy control programme in India aims to bring down the prevalence of leprosy to below 1/10,000. This is in accordance with the WHO declaration of the global elimination of leprosy by the year 2000 AD. 1 With the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT), profound changes in the epidemiology of the disease have occurred, 12 with a significant reduction in the prevalence rates in many states, where MDT is in operation. 2 However, reduction in prevalence alone is not sufficient as the social consequences of the diseases on the life of the patient are often severe and persist even after its cure. The social aspects associated with this disease are therefore as important, if not more important than the biological ones. 190

Gender differentials in the social and family life of leprosy patients

“…While both men and women were negatively affected in most situations, the extent ofthe impact was more in women than men, Such restrictions clearly increase morbidity in women patients, and affect their treatment. 12 These findings are further endorsed by the experiences reported by the subjects of the effect of disease on their lives (Table 4). A total of 18 (8.3%) of women admitted that the disease affliction affected their marriage prospects compared to 2.6% of men.…”

The Impact of a Rights-Based Counselling Intervention to Reduce Stigma in People Affected by Leprosy in Indonesia

“…We also found that counselling had different impacts on stigma and participation restrictions on men and women. Studies have shown that women and men experience stigma differently [2,48–50], so it follows that an intervention will also have differing effects. Our hypothesis is that women and men undergo a different kind of change: through counselling men are inspired to take action and do things (e.g.…”

Beliefs and attitudes toward Buruli ulcer in Ghana.

“…12 Conversely, a study on onchocercal skin disease by the PanAfrican Study Group found a higher stigma score for men. 7 In another study on gender and stigma of onchocercal skin disease, no quantitative difference between men and women was found, but stigma did affect men and women in different ways.…”