Cultural Aspects:
For nearly all of recorded history the only way society found to deal with leposy was by separating the sufferer from the rest of his fellow man. The isolation of the leprosy patient added to the dreadful reputation of the disease. There is such a high degree of social stigma as seen with this disease, and many patients face rejection from society. A significant number of cases do not seek treatment or may seek late treatment, partly due to socio-cultural beliefs and this stigma about leprosy. Late case detection results in higher rates of deformities within the patient. Furthermore, late case detection and treatment increases the risk of transmission and the spread of leprosy. The stigma surrounding leprosy is in part due to the long standing cultural beliefs associated with the disease. Stigma is defined as an attribute that is deeply discrediting, and a stigmatized individual is one who is not accepted and not accorded the respect, rights, and regard of his peers; one who disqualifies from social acceptance.
Many claim the stigma of leprosy arose due to the fact that the disease deforms and disables, but seldom kills. In this, the patient's deformities worsen over time, and are visible to the whole world. Chronic symptoms of the disease limit people's abilities to fulfill normal roles within society. They may loose their economic independence, physical independence, their self-esteem, and may experience a lower quality of life. These stigmas, however, are not just directed towards the patients themselves, but also towards their families. A study found that families with a patient who suffered from the disease faced 10 times more societal problems then those without. The disease poses severe adaptive problems, not only because of the stigma faced, but also from the physical disfigurement, and medical uncertainties.
The leprosy stigma also arises from misconceptions about the causes and transmission of the disease. Additionally, due to the historical belief that the disease was a curse or punishment from God, many see the patient as a sinner or unholy. In the past, a belief was held in China that the disease was sexually transmitted from contact with prostitutes, and was punishment for such a moral lapse. Other cultures believed the disease was highly infectious, and therefore shunned those with leprosy.
Age, gender, education level, and religion all play a role in the beliefs surrounding the disease and those who suffer from it. Despite medical advances seen with the disease, stigma, misconceptions, and overall negative attitudes towards leprosy patients are still prevalent in most societies and can be found across a wide range of geographical and cultural backgrounds.
Anthropological Aspects:
Imperialism, colonialism, and immigration patterns of humans have all contributed to the rise and spread of leprosy. As humans evolved to more sedentary lifestyles, forming communities, and maintaining closer proximities to other people, all these factors had an effect upon the prevalence of the disease. Additionally, as travel became more widespread and contact with other regions increased, this too contributed to the increasing prevalence and spread of leprosy. For example, once the disease has arisen within Europe, European populations traveled throughout the Old and New Worlds, introducing leprosy into new populations and vastly spreading the disease.
