GENDER ISSUES AFFECTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LEPROSY CONTROL PROGRAMMES IN ANAMBRA AND EBONYI STATES OF SOUTHEAST NIGERIA.

Abstract

Leprosy, one of the oldest diseases of mankind with unique social dimension where victims and care givers are rejected by society, has remained a public health problem in Nigeria. It is also one of the leading causes of permanent disability worldwide. Nigeria is ranked at the fifth position among 'high leprosy burden nations' in the world and second in Africa behind Republic of Congo. The National Leprosy Control Programme was established in Nigeria in 1988 to achieve leprosy elimination and eradication. This goal seems to have become a mirage. The current study describes gender issues affecting the effectiveness of leprosy control programmes in Anambra and Ebonyi states of Southeast Nigeria. It was examined in a cross-sectional sample survey. A sample size of 1116 adults, selected through a combination of cluster and random sampling methods constituted the study participants. Qualitative data were generated from persons affected by leprosy and leprosy control staff who were purposively selected. A uniform set of structured questionnaire' complemented by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-Depth Interview (IDI) were instruments for the study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was employed in analysis of data. Frequency tables, percentages, bar charts; and chi-square were used for presentation, analysis and in testing the stated hypotheses. It was found that level of awareness about the disease which has several local names in the area was relatively high (89.6%). However, significant difference exists in levels of awareness about leprosy between male and female respondents. It was also observed that leprosy patients were isolated and that the effect of isolation and lack of community support was greater on males as compared to females. On the other hand, females were re-integrated fast into the community after treatment than males. It was recommended that gender differentials in access to leprosy services be dismantled. Aggressive public enlightenment through public, private and local media; incentive package for health workers; socio-economic empowerment for effective rehabilitation of patients; prohibition of socio-cultural practices that promote the spread of leprosy should all be strengthened for effective leprosy control in Anambra and Ebonyi states.