Caregivers' views on stigmatization and discrimination of people affected by leprosy in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Leprosy is a condition that has long been associated with stigma and discrimination, even when infected persons have been cured. This paper describes stigma and discrimination as viewed by caregivers who are associated with people affected by leprosy in Ghana.

METHODS

A qualitative interview with semi-structured interviews were conducted for twenty caregivers.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that caregivers were of the view that people affected by leprosy in Ghana are stigmatized and discriminated against by the larger society thus making their movements and interactions restricted to the Leprosarium. Besides, employments opportunities are unavailable to them thus making them exposed to financial challenges. The livelihood Empowerment Against poverty (LEAP) money given them is not sufficient for their daily upkeep.

CONCLUSION

People affected by leprosy in Ghana are stigmatized and therefore find it difficult to interact freely with the public. The associated physical deformities with the disease also tend to impede their ability to relate to the general public. The LEAP cash given to people affected by leprosy is helpful however, it could be enhanced to keep pace with prevailing economic conditions in the country.

Stigmatisation and discrimination: Experiences of people affected by leprosy in Southern Ghana

INTRODUCTION

Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, poses a serious public health concern due to its impact on the wellbeing of affected people. This study, which was set in Ghana, explored stigmatisation and discrimination experiences of people affected by leprosy resident at the Weija Leprosarium in Accra.

METHODOLOGY

Using a qualitative research methodology, 26 participants were purposively selected and in-depth interviews conducted. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and categorised based on the objectives of the study.

FINDINGS

The findings revealed that participants experienced stigma and discrimination from their families, friends, healthcare providers and community members. Evidence showed that whereas some participants anticipated stigma and discrimination from prospective employers, others internalised the negative beliefs associated with the disease and gave up searching for jobs. Moreover, the findings indicated that participants were not willing to reintegrate into their communities since they considered the Leprosarium a safe haven.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of the study, we conclude that people affected by leprosy included in this study experienced stigmatisation and discrimination. We therefore suggest that efforts aimed at reducing and in the long run curing the stigma of leprosy must be contextualised and scaled up. Also, implications are discussed for social work and public health practices.

Influence of clinical and demographic factors on static balance among stroke survivors

BACKGROUND

Stroke is often characterized by disturbance in balance and mobility among the survivors with its attendant rehabilitation potentials. Static balance serves as a foundation for attainment of functions in patients with stroke, yet its determinants are usually under-estimated.

AIM

This study was therefore designed to determine the influence of some clinical and demographic factors on static balance in stroke survivors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty (80) hemiparetic stroke survivors participated in this cross-sectional survey. Demographic variables include age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) whilst knee range of motion, (ROM) duration of stroke, levels of disability and spasticity of the paretic lower limbs of the participants were the clinical variables. Universal Goniometer, Barthel Index, and Modified Ashworth Scale were used to assess ROM, disability and spasticity levels respectively. The outcome measure for static balance was Functional Reach Test. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was performed to establish the correlations between some selected variables and the static balance. Level of significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 56.7+/-12.8 years. They comprised 37(46.2%) right hemiparetic and 43 (53.8%) left hemiparetic patients. Significant positive correlation was observed between functional reach scores and knee ROM, spasticity and disability levels (r=0.3; r=0.5; 0.2) respectively. However, the mean age, weight, height and BMI of the participants were not significantly correlated with functional reach scores.

CONCLUSION

Joint range of motion, spasticity and disability levels were the main determinants of static balance in stroke survivors. These factors should be considered whilst priotizing goals during rehabilitation of stroke survivors.