A study to determine knowledge,attitude and practice of the community towards clients with leprosy in Chibombo district,Zambia.

Abstract

The ultimate objective was to determine the reasons why Leprosy patients discharged from Liteta Hospital are reluctant to go back home. Instead they opt to build their own houses around the Hospital compound; causing a resurfacing of a Leper Colony. The study was conducted between August and September, 1995 using a systematically random sample of 100 respondents. 50 Units were former Leprosy Clients and 50 Units were household heads of chief Liteta's area. A structured Interview Schedule was used to collect the data. The study revealed that 100% of the respondents have heard about Leprosy but only 70% know that Leprosy is caused by a germ. The rest believe it is either caused by:- witchcraft 10% , curse from God 14% and hereditary 6% respectively. Attitude is very positive as the respondents indicated that they can live, eat and drink with persons who had suffered from Leprosy (79%). The study further revealed that 76% participants are against keeping away leprosy patients from the public. 80% of the Christians are also in disagreement, but all the Muslims 100% feel leprosy patients should, be kept away from the public ( Isolation) The former Leprosy clients feel the community is not receptive, they indicated that having no relatives, rejection and lack of skills are some of the contributing factors to their reluctance to go back to their respective homes upon discharge from Liteta Hospital.