Social Perception of Deformities in Hansen's Disease (Leprosy)

Although efforts have been made by the government and international organizations to completely eradicate Hansen's and its related problems, it still persists and carries inordinate psychosocial issues. The social stigma to the sufferers of leprosy due to its associated deformities differentiate leprosy from all other diseases. Even now, people with Hansen's have to leave their villages and live in isolation. Early detection and integrated comprehensive psychosocial health care will minimize their social stigma and put them back into the society.

To know the awareness and attitudes of normal individuals about the various deformities caused by Hansen's disease in the community.

In a study of social perception of leprosy-related morbidity, 12 different deformities were listed. Sixty-six members of a rural community who were not related to any sufferer of leprosy were taken up randomly on the basis of their willingness to participate in the study. They were asked to recall the possible consequences of leprosy and at the end were shown whatever they had missed from the list.

Statistical analysis was done by using median, inter quartile range and Bailey's coefficient of skewness. Applying measures of central tendencies and variance along with Bailey's coefficient of skewness, trophic ulcers, clawing, loss of phalanges, nose deformities and facial deformities were found to be most disturbing. Skin patches, generalized skin changes, loss of hair and swelling of legs were least disturbing in that order.

Significance of disfigurement and its associated perceived social stigma and resultant psychiatric morbidity needs planned, holistic and integrated rehabilitation.