Stigmatization of Leprosy Patients at the Primary Hospital in North Central Timor: a Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Details
Title: Stigmatization of Leprosy Patients at the Primary Hospital in North Central Timor: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Fauziyah Nadira Riani Rusnah, Ika Febianti Buntoro, Nicholas Edwin Handoyo, Herjuni Oematan
Source: Berkala Ilmu Kesehatan Kulit dan Kelamin (Periodical of Dermatology and Venerology), Vol 37, Iss 1, Pp 34-40 (2025)
Publisher Information: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Dermatology
Subject Terms: stigma, leprosy patients, primary hospital, internal stigma, social stigma, Dermatology, RL1-803
More Details: Background: Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the peripheral nervous system, skin, nosend eyes and can cause disability. Clinical symptoms and disabilities can give leprosy patients a negative impression, known as stigma, which can affect their self-acceptance. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the perceptions of leprosy patients at the a primary hospital in North Central Timor regarding the stigma they experience. Methods: The study was a qualitative research, utilizing the in-depth interview method. The sampling technique used purposive sampling, applied maximum variation sampling, and involved 20 patients in the study.The interview results were transcribed and analyzed using the Open Code 4.03 program. The coding results were grouped into themes and subthemes that emerged. Result: This study found that internal and social stigma affected 80% of the 20 leprosy patients at a primary hospital. Misperceptions primarily cause internal stigma, which in turn triggers fear of infection and isolation from the community. Social stigma, also triggered by misperceptions, leprosy symptoms, and disability, leads to discrimination, and ostracism, even in family circles and places of worship. Patients experience negative impacts on their self-esteem, social life, and economy. Conclusion: Leprosy patients experience internal and social stigma, with 16 out of 20 patients affected. Misperceptions, symptoms, and disability due to leprosy are the leading causes. This stigma has far-reaching social, economic, and educational impacts. Support, education, and preventive measures are needed to overcome the stigma that worsens the condition of leprosy patients.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: Indonesian
ISSN: 1978-4279
2549-4082
Relation: https://e-journal.unair.ac.id/BIKK/article/view/56604; https://doaj.org/toc/1978-4279; https://doaj.org/toc/2549-4082
DOI: 10.20473/bikk.V37.1.2025.34-40
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/71ee3229bb634d74baf588e3d7f0a9a0
Accession Number: edsdoj.71ee3229bb634d74baf588e3d7f0a9a0
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:19784279
25494082
DOI:10.20473/bikk.V37.1.2025.34-40
Published in:Berkala Ilmu Kesehatan Kulit dan Kelamin (Periodical of Dermatology and Venerology)
Language:Indonesian