Emotions, Relationships and Behaviour: a Qualitative Study on Experiences of Stigma among Persons Affected by Leprosy in Northern Nigeria

Authors

  • Tahir Dahiru Leprosy and TB Relief Initiative Nigeria & Texila American University, Georgetown, Guyana
  • Zubairu Iliyasu Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
  • Aliyu T Mande Community medicine department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
  • Anna T van 't Noordende NLR, Amsterdam,,Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam
  • Muktar H Aliyu Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee

Keywords:

Emotions, relationships, behaviour, stigma, leprosy, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: Leprosy is a highly stigmatised disease with far-reaching psychosocial and economic consequences. This study explored the social consequences of leprosy and the factors that drive stigma among persons affected by leprosy in northern Nigeria.

Method: The study used a cross-sectional design with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 persons affected by leprosy. Data were collected from September to November 2020. ILEP’s four stigma domains (emotions, thoughts, behaviour and relationships) were used to develop the interview guide and to analyse the data. The framework approach to thematic analysis was performed.

Results: The study identified: (1) negative societal attitudes and behaviour towards persons affected by leprosy, (2) restrictions in social participation among affected persons, such as in communal eating, job opportunities and education, (3) negative impact of leprosy on marital life and marriage prospects, also experienced by family members, and (4) negative emotions such as sadness and despair. Some of the problems seemed to be caused by negative perceptions and a lack of knowledge of leprosy. The main coping strategies included adjustments in behaviour (e.g., marrying other persons affected by leprosy and communal eating amongst persons affected), and religion (by seeking consolation through faith in God/Allah).

Conclusion: High levels of stigma were experienced by the participants. This underscores the importance of sustained information, education and communication interventions via traditional and modern media, to fill knowledge gaps and address misconceptions and myths about leprosy.

Author Biographies

Tahir Dahiru, Leprosy and TB Relief Initiative Nigeria & Texila American University, Georgetown, Guyana

Tahir works with Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief (LTR) Initiative, Nigeria, as its Executive Director in charge of Operations, Leadership and Management. Member and Secretary to the Board of Trustees of LTR. The organisation provides leprosy and tuberculosis control services in northern Nigeria including Kano state. Tahir is also a Ph.D. student of Texila American University, Guyana

Zubairu Iliyasu, Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Zubairu is a Professor of Public Health, Epidemiology nd Biostatistics at the Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano. The author is also the local supervisor for the Ph.D. thesis being undertaken by Tahir Dahiru

Aliyu T Mande, Community medicine department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Aliyu is a Senior Qualitative Researcher with experience in design, data collection, transcription and translation of qualitative data. He works at the Community Medicine Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria. 

Anna T van 't Noordende, NLR, Amsterdam,,Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam

Anna is associated with the Programs, Research & Partnerships Department, NLR, Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. She supported the development of the in-depth interview guide and was involved in the analysis, and interpretation of findings.

Muktar H Aliyu, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee

Muktar is affliated to the Department of Health Policy and Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Tennessee, USA, and is also a Professor of Public Health.

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Published

2023-03-04

How to Cite

1.
Dahiru T, Iliyasu Z, Mande AT, van ’t Noordende AT, Aliyu MH. Emotions, Relationships and Behaviour: a Qualitative Study on Experiences of Stigma among Persons Affected by Leprosy in Northern Nigeria. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2023 Mar. 4 [cited 2024 May 16];33(4):6-28. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/528

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 4 (2022): Winter

Section

Original Research Articles

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