LEVEL OF SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH LEPROSY: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Leprosy remains a public health problem in many countries of the world including India, even today. Several studies indicated that perceived stigma and social acceptance towards leprosy was high still.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted with 100 participants selected by convenience sampling technique. The tool used for the study was socio demographic variables and structured multiple choice questions to assess the level of acceptance.  Data were collected by interview method on one-one basis. Collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result: The result of the study reveals that 13% had low level of social acceptance, 20% had medium level of social acceptance and 67% had high level of social acceptance.

Conclusion: The study findings concluded that patients with leprosy patients had facing lot of discrimination and not fully accepted by society. Health care professionals must take challenges to break the social stigma as well create awareness on myths and facts about the leprosy.