TY - JOUR
T1 - The meaning of leprosy and everyday experiences
T2 - An exploration in Cirebon, Indonesia
AU - Peters, Ruth M.H.
AU - Dadun,
AU - Lusli, Mimi
AU - Miranda-Galarza, Beatriz
AU - Van Brakel, Wim H.
AU - Zweekhorst, Marjolein B.M.
AU - Damayanti, Rita
AU - Seda, Francisia Saveria Sika Ery
AU - Bunders, Joske F.G.
AU - Irwanto,
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - It is imperative to consider the meaning of leprosy and everyday experiences of people affected by leprosy and key persons in the community if one aims to make leprosy services more effective, which appears necessary in Indonesia given the large numbers of new cases detected annually. However, little is written in the international literature about the experiences of people currently being treated for leprosy, those cured, or other key informants. This paper analyses the narratives of the people by drawing upon in-depth interviews with 53 participants and 20 focus groups discussions. The participants were purposively selected. We provide insights into the experiences of people and the meaning they give to leprosy and highlight aspect of aetiology, spirituality, religion, darkening of the skin, and sorcery. We also examine experiences of seeking care and focused on the impact of the disease in particular on the elderly and children. In conclusion, the continued need for implementation of leprosy services in Indonesia is very evident. The diversities in people's experiences with leprosy indicate a demand for responsive leprosy services to serve the diverse needs, including services for those formally declared to be "cured."
AB - It is imperative to consider the meaning of leprosy and everyday experiences of people affected by leprosy and key persons in the community if one aims to make leprosy services more effective, which appears necessary in Indonesia given the large numbers of new cases detected annually. However, little is written in the international literature about the experiences of people currently being treated for leprosy, those cured, or other key informants. This paper analyses the narratives of the people by drawing upon in-depth interviews with 53 participants and 20 focus groups discussions. The participants were purposively selected. We provide insights into the experiences of people and the meaning they give to leprosy and highlight aspect of aetiology, spirituality, religion, darkening of the skin, and sorcery. We also examine experiences of seeking care and focused on the impact of the disease in particular on the elderly and children. In conclusion, the continued need for implementation of leprosy services in Indonesia is very evident. The diversities in people's experiences with leprosy indicate a demand for responsive leprosy services to serve the diverse needs, including services for those formally declared to be "cured."
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84876577618&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1155/2013/507034
DO - 10.1155/2013/507034
M3 - Review article
C2 - 23577037
AN - SCOPUS:84876577618
SN - 1687-9686
JO - Journal of Tropical Medicine
JF - Journal of Tropical Medicine
M1 - 507034
ER -