THE PSYCOLOGICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF LEPROSY ON AFFECTED WOMEN IN ADDIS ABABA CITY ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

Leprosy is a public health problem that strongly affects the whole aspects of life of the victims due to the wrong conceptions about its causes. It is known that the common misconception that a society holds about leprosy include: that it is a hereditary health problem, it’s untreatable and it’s a curse from God. These societal beliefs have usually resulted in stigma and discrimination of the victims. The psychological, economic and social effects of leprosy on affected women along with the roles and responsibilities assigned to them made the problem severe. The main objective of this study is to investigate the psychological, economic and social effects of leprosy on affected women and identify areas for social work intervention strategies to improve the life of women leprosy patients in woreda 1 of Kolfe Keranio sub city of Addis Ababa. The study was conducted in a purposely selected woreda to collect qualitative information on the root causes, and the effects of leprosy on women. The data was collected through structured interview to assess the situation, challenges and experiences of the people living with leprosy. In-depth interview, key informant interview, document analysis and FGD were also held to gather detailed information that help to investigate the root causes and consequences of leprosy. Findings of the study reveal that leprosy is one of the public diseases that prevail in the area where treatment is given. That is why victims dwell around the institution, ALERT, for years even after treatment and cure. The whole issue of social exclusion emanates from the misconception on the root causes of leprosy. The finding of the study identified loneliness as a major psychological problem which people with leprosy usually encounter. This feeling arises from the separation of the leprosy patients from their families and beloved ones. The other finding of the study is the lack of equal opportunity on the job market for persons with disabilities in general and leprosy patients in particular. The respondents have revealed that they often face unjust treatment when applying for a job. With regard to the stigma and societal segregation caused by the disease, the finding of the study shows that, almost all leprosy affected persons are forced to hide themselves from their relatives, so as not to be stigmatized and not to disgrace their families in their communities, and migrate to areas very far from their birth places preferably to leprosy colony settlements. The study concludes that leprosy and the consequent social, economic and psychological effects causes a double burden on particularly the affected women. To overcome the situation, the findings of the study call for a strong campaign to enhance awareness creation of the victims and the society at large.