A study of community attitudes and knowledge in relation to leprosy

Abstract

A study of community attitudes and knowledge in relation to leprosy was undertaken in the Bauru Region of the Brazilian State of Silo Paulo as preparation for an integration project in the region. A representative sample of approximately 500 persons was interviewed in 7 municipalities by 15 psychology students. The results of the study showed that the level of knowledge about leprosy in the region is very low with the mean score on a basic knowledge test being 37.5% correct. While results showed the existence of a "leprosy stigma" in the region, they also demonstrated a considerable degree of acceptance on the part of the general population to maintaining close work and friendship relationships with patients under treatment. Other answers to questions in the study indicated that the roots of the "leprosy stigma" lie more in the fear of "contagion" and the disease's effect on social relationships than in the fear of physical problems such as pain and deformities. The author is left with a feeling of cautious optimism as to the success of integration
efforts when these are accompanied by health education activities with those with whom the patient Is to maintain close contacts.