COMMUNITY-BASED INSIGHTS INTO LEPROSY STIGMA IN MALAYSIA: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY INFORMED BY GLOBAL LITERATURE AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Leprosy, a chronic dermatological disease, continues to afflict individuals worldwide, often accompanied by profound social stigma. This comprehensive study, set in Malaysia, aims to shed light on the pervasive issue of leprosy-related stigma within communities residing near the National Leprosy Centre. Drawing from both global literature and local perspectives, this research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of how leprosy is perceived and the resulting social consequences. Leprosy's societal portrayal transcends its medical aspects, often casting patients as social outcasts. While this curable ailment can be effectively treated with medication, misconceptions and fears persist. Such misconceptions often manifest as visible deformities, perpetuating negative attitudes and discrimination. This study delves into the Malaysian context, where leprosy's stigma remains a pertinent concern, albeit largely unexamined. Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, this research surveyed 260 individuals residing within a 4-kilometer radius of the leprosy center. Participants answered questions encompassing demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, along with assessments of knowledge, attitude, and perceived stigma. The study identified a mean stigma score of 11.41, which, although lower than some global counterparts, underscores the existence of stigma within the community. Of particular significance, the study's findings revealed that negative attitudes held by community members played a pivotal role in driving leprosy-related stigma. Respondents with more unfavorable attitudes exhibited higher levels of stigma against leprosy patients. These negative attitudes stemmed from beliefs that leprosy is a chronic, highly contagious disease, despite contrary medical evidence. This research signifies the need for targeted awareness campaigns to dispel misconceptions and encourage empathetic, non-discriminatory attitudes towards leprosy patients in Malaysia. By leveraging insights from both local and global literature, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge surrounding leprosy-related stigma and calls for community-based interventions to challenge and eradicate the deeply rooted stigma associated with this ancient disease