- : Ms Word, Ms Word Format
- : 78 Pages
- : ₦3,000 | $25 | ₵60 | Ksh 2720
- : 1-5 Chapters
- Click to DOWNLOAD Materials
STIGMA AND THE MANAGEMENT OF LEPER IDENTITY IN ASKIRA/UBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract:
Leprosy also known as Hansen’s disease, unlike most diseases, attracts a significant level of discrimination. Stigma attached to the disease negatively affects individuals infected with leprosy. This study sought to understand stigma and the management of leper identity in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. The objectives of this study are; to determine the prevalence of leprosy in Askira/Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State, to identify the public perception of major causes of leprosy in Askira/Uba, to examine stigma attached to leprosy and the major factors contributing to leprosy stigma in Askira/Uba, to ascertain the effects of stigma on individuals infected with leprosy in Askira/Uba, to identify the coping strategies adopted by individuals infected with leprosy in Askira/Uba and to proffer suggestions on how to mitigate the effect of stigmatization of leprosy in Askira/Uba. Goffman’s theory of stigma served as the theoretical framework of the study. Qualitative and Quantitative data were collected for the study. Quantitative data were generated from two hundred and nine (209) questionnaires retrieved from sampled survey respondents. The qualitative data were generated from ten (10) in-depth interviews and three (3) focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that, there is high rate of leprosy in Askira/Uba LGA. The public perceptions on the major causes of leprosy are: contact with an infected person, environmental conditions (dirt) and inheritance/genetics. Factors that contribute to leprosy stigmatization were; discrediting beliefs and misconceptions regarding the causation and transmission of leprosy, fear of transmission and misconceptions regarding the incurability and high infectiousness of leprosy. The effects of stigma on individuals infected with leprosy were: social disengagement/isolation, loss of status and economic hardship. The coping strategies adopted to mitigate the effect of leprosy stigmatization include: spiritual remedies, excessive consumption of drugs, social detachment and finally migration. Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made; provision of more health facilities and drugs at the ward levels by the Government and regular seminars/workshops in the local government to sensitize the people more about leprosy causes, transmission and curability as well as the need for positive attitude toward individuals infected with leprosy.
STIGMA AND THE MANAGEMENT OF LEPER IDENTITY IN ASKIRA/UBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
