In:
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 15, No. 8 ( 2021-8-23), p. e0009654-
Abstract:
Since ancient times leprosy has had a negative perception, resulting in stigmatization. To improve the lives of persons affected by leprosy, these negative perceptions need to change. The aim of this study is to evaluate interventions to change perceptions and improve knowledge of leprosy. Methodology/Principal findings We conducted a pre-post intervention study in Fatehpur and Chandauli districts, Uttar Pradesh, India. Based on six steps of quality intervention development (6SQuID) two interventions were designed: (1) posters that provided information about leprosy and challenged misconceptions, and (2) meetings with persons affected by leprosy, community members and influential people in the community. The effect of the interventions was evaluated in a mixed-methods design; in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires containing a knowledge measure (KAP), two perception measures (EMIC-CSS, SDS) and an intervention evaluation tool. 1067 participants were included in Survey 1 and 843 in Survey 2. The interventions were effective in increasing knowledge of all participant groups, and in changing community and personal attitudes of close contacts and community members (changes of 19%, 24% and 13% on the maximum KAP, EMIC-CSS and SDS scores respectively, p 〈 0.05). In Survey 1, 13% of participants had adequate knowledge of leprosy versus 53% in Survey 2. Responses showed stigmatizing community attitudes in 86% (Survey 1) and 61% (Survey 2) of participants and negative personal attitudes in 37% (Survey 1) and 19% (Survey 2). The number of posters seen was associated with KAP, EMIC-CSS and SDS scores in Survey 2 (p 〈 0.001). In addition, during eight post-intervention focus group discussions and 48 interviews many participants indicated that the perception of leprosy in the community had changed. Conclusions/Significance Contextualized posters and community meetings were effective in changing the perception of leprosy and in increasing leprosy-related knowledge. We recommend studying the long-term effect of the interventions, also on behavior.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1935-2735
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.t003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.t004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.t005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.s006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.r001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.r002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.r003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009654.r004
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2429704-5
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