The Way of Life Coping Impact and Adaptation of Leprosy in Northern Thailand in 2021 on Integration of Leprosy Colony into General Community

Abstract

This article describes the findings of aqualitative study aiming to assess how patients cope with leprosy,the impact of the disease, and the adaptation of patients when 3 leprosy colonies were integrated into general communities in Northern Thailandin 2021. The focusgroup discussion, in-depth interviews, and lessons learn were performed and the method of content analysis was used. The findings are presented with a narrative analysis.The result revealed that persons affected by leprosy and their family members continue to face multiple forms of stigma and widespread barriers to their participation as equal members of society including isolation and discrimination.Sometimes, the leprosy colonies were called ‘cobravillages’ due to their claw hand deformities where the fingers are bent into a position that looks like a claw. The study found that the younger generations of participants tendtolivenormal life.The older generations are suffering from self-perceived stigma because of the disability suffered, lack of knowledge of the disease, and being stigmatized and discriminated against by society.Moreover, the study  indicated that people affected by leprosy cannot lease the government’s surplus land because they are in rent arrears to the Treasury Department. Although Thailand has announced the successful elimination of leprosysince 2008, stigma is a reality in the lives of the people affected by leprosy, and this hampers their psychological, social, and economic well-being. This study highlighted the importance of reducing leprosy stigma and resolving unpaid rent debt issues.This study highlighted that the Department of Disease Control should create a network of cooperation with other authorities to solve these issues.