ALIENATION AND SUICIDAL TENDENCIES AMONG LEPROSY PATIENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study focused on psychosocial problems facing leprosy patients in Anambra State with emphasis on alienation and suicidal tendencies. Questionnaire containing 17 close ended and 3 open ended items was administered on 34 patients at Okija and Nnewi Leprosy Clinics which were purposively selected for the study. Frequency tables and simple percentages were used for analysis. It was found that patients encounter stigmatization, alienation, segregation, low self-esteem, self-destructive tendencies and other forms of psychosocial morbidity and dysfunctions. The level of alienation and contemplations of suicide was relatively high. It was recommended that Psychologists and Sociologists who have expertise to understand and respond to these problems should be part of leprosy control teams. Patients, their families and the community should also be properly informed about leprosy in order to improve their understanding of the disease, stimulate appropriate coping responses and improve efficiency of leprosy control programme in the State.