The impact on persons affected by leprosy after the integration of leprosy colony into general communities in Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to examine the situation regarding the quality of life and stigma, as well as the impacts on persons affected by leprosy, following the integration of leprosy colony into the general community in Thailand. The research employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative research involved a sample of 283 persons affected by leprosy living in former leprosy colony and 270 people from surrounding communities. The study used a quality-of-life assessment and a stigma measurement tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings revealed that persons affected by leprosy had a good quality of life in all dimensions. The highest average score was in the physical domain (2.83), followed by social relationships and environment (2.80), and the lowest was in the psychological domain (2.75), with an overall average quality of life score of 2.77. Regarding stigma, 60.4% of respondents said they would not feel inferior or ashamed if a family member had leprosy. However, 47.8% believed that people in the community might refuse to visit families of those affected, and 47.0% thought that community members might avoid interacting with leprosy-affected persons. Qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 34 representatives from relevant local agencies and 54 persons affected by leprosy. Findings from the qualitative data revealed that those affected received housing rights from the Treasury Department, with improvements made to their residences to support living and livelihood. Access to healthcare services was consistent with their entitled benefits. In terms of social and economic aspects, urban expansion has created diverse job opportunities, and persons affected by leprosy have been able to integrate into surrounding communities. Importantly, government agencies play a key role in continuous integration and support by providing services and welfare equally and fairly, similar to the general population. This has fostered mutual understanding and reduced stigma between communities, persons affected by leprosy, and government agencies, contributing to the achievement of the World Health Organization’s Zero Leprosy strategy. However, subdistrict health promoting hospitals still require support in knowledge related to wound care and prevention of disabilities among those affected by leprosy. Therefore, it is recommended that the Department of Disease Control designate this as a focus area for responsible agencies to monitor and supervise systematically.