Formas de aislamiento físico y simbólico: la lepra, sus espacios de reclusión y el discurso médico-legal en Argentina / Ways of physical and symbolic isolation: leprosy, its isolation spaces and the medical-legal discourse in Argentina

Durante la primera mitad del siglo XX la presencia de la lepra en sociedades modernas suscitó variadas reacciones. Aun sin que desaparecieran ancestrales prejuicios, el discurso médico-legal abordó un problema que excedía el marco estrictamente sanitario. El trabajo analiza el modo en que, desde una perspectiva científica, fueron gestadas en Argentina respuestas que creyeron hallar en el aislamiento físico y simbólico del leproso una forma proteger la población y el futuro de la raza. En ese contexto, la eugenesia legitimó fuertes restricciones de derechos a enfermos sobre los que siguió pesando aquel estigma ancestral (AU)

During the first half of the twentieth century, the presence of leprosy in modern societies provoked various reactions. As ancient prejudices had not disappeared yet, the medical-legal discourse dealt with a problem that exceeded the strictly sanitary framework. From a scientific perspective, this paper analyzes the way in which answers find that seemed the population and the future of the race in the physical and symbolic isolation of the leper, were developed in Argentina. In that context, the eugenics legitimated strong restrictions of rights to sick persons on whom this ancestral stigma continued to carry much weight (AU)

[Ways of physical and symbolic isolation: leprosy, its isolation spaces and the medical-legal discourse in Argentina]. / Formas de aislamiento físico y simbólico: la lepra, sus espacios de reclusión y el discurso médico-legal en Argentina.

During the first half of the twentieth century, the presence of leprosy in modern societies provoked various reactions. As ancient prejudices had not disappeared yet, the medical-legal discourse dealt with a problem that exceeded the strictly sanitary framework. From a scientific perspective, this paper analyzes the way in which answers find that seemed the population and the future of the race in the physical and symbolic isolation of the leper, were developed in Argentina. In that context, the eugenics legitimated strong restrictions of rights to sick persons on whom this ancestral stigma continued to carry much weight.

Socio-cultural aspects of leprosy among the Masalit and Hawsa tribes in the Sudan.

Social and cultural factors influencing knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards leprosy in two communities in eastern Sudan were studied to determine their effects on treatment seeking and compliance. The study was qualitative using focus small group discussions, personal interviews and direct observation. The target populations were Masalit and Hawsa, the two main tribes in the area. Knowledge about the pathological cause of leprosy was lacking but the clinical manifestations were well recognized, particularly among the Masalit, in whom the disease in more common than the Hawsa. Among the Masalit there was a widely held belief that leprosy was caused by eating meat of the wild pig and a certain type of fish. The Hawsa, who are more devout Muslims, do not eat pig and associate leprosy with consumption of two types of fish. Between both tribes, the stigma of leprosy was not strong and the degree of rejection was more towards those with severe disease, particularly patients with ulcerated lesions and severe deformities. Patients were cared for by the family and lived in a separate hut within the families' housing compounds. In this remote area where medical services are scarce or nonexistent, those interviewed did not realize that leprosy was treatable by modern medicine. This influenced the treatment-seeking behaviour of patients, who were often treated by spiritual healers and other traditional medicine practices. With the introduction of multidrug therapy and health education of patients and society, many more patients are now seeking medical treatment, indicating a change in health seeking behaviour.

Stigma and socio-economic reintegration of leprosy sufferers in Nigeria.

Leprosy is the commonest cause of peripheral neuropathy in the world. This feature causes gross deformities of the face and limbs of infected individuals as well as crippling disabilities involving sight, touch and manual dexterity. Such stigmata intensified the social and economic isolation of patients. Although concerted efforts by national governments and international organisations have made leprosy cease to be a medical problem in most parts of the world, leprosy still remains a "human problem": about 30% of past or present leprosy sufferers in Nigeria are disabled and/or handicapped as a result of the disease. This paper reviews the various factors contributing to leprosy stigma in Nigeria and proposes ways of minimising it.