The Experiences of People with Leprosy (PWL) Living Outside Institutional Care Facilities. A Case Study of Mutoko Center · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author: Dzimunwe, Annah
Title: The Experiences of People with Leprosy (PWL) Living Outside Institutional Care Facilities. A Case Study of Mutoko Center
Abstract: The goal of the research was to explore the experiences of people with leprosy living outside institutional care facilities: a case study of Mutoko Centre. It was guided also by three objectives which were: to explore the experiences of people with leprosy living outside institutional care; to find the coping strategies adopted by leprosy patients after leaving care and; to provide strategies to address the challenges mentioned by leprosy patients. Underpinned by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the research used qualitative research approach was utilized to collect, analyze and present data. 16 participants were ultimately drawn from the targeted population using purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The findings of the research found out that disability, drug shortages, homelessness, isolation, lack of education, social acceptance, mental health and unemployment are the experiences that are being faced by people with leprosy living outside institutional care facilities. The research also found out that begging and stealing were the coping strategies that were adopted by leprosy patients in order to sustain themselves. The research recommends that healthcare professionals at the lowest levels of care should be trained in the care of patients with leprosy in order to avoid lepers from travelling long distances and also leprosy people should receive counselling in order to deal with stigma and discrimination. The study suggests adopting socio-economic policies and educating leprosy sufferers and the communities in which they live hence increasing awareness of the disease.
Date: 2023
Publisher: BUSE
Keywords: Leprosy; People living with Leprosy
Supervisor: Dr Mangwiro, V.P.

Item sets: Department of Social Work

Media: ANNAH DZIMUNWE - SW.pdf