Rafferty Joy
Lepr Rev. 2005 Jun;76(2):119-26.
The stigma of leprosy is a real phenomenon in many people's lives that affects their physical, psychological, social and economical well-being. There are many causes for this damaging image of leprosy. There is no one easy answer to dispelling this image; it is something that has to be done in partnership with communities and patients. Many papers document the effects of stigma, but few discuss or trial solutions. Education and media campaigns counteract false beliefs about leprosy and raise awareness of new advances in the field. Leprosy care is increasingly provided in an integrated setting showing patients and their communities that leprosy is not a disease apart. Physical and socio-economic rehabilitation is worthwhile in restoring self worth and status in the community and helps patients to find employment. Group counselling can allow those with leprosy to talk about their feelings and experiences to empower one another. Gradually attitudes towards leprosy are changing, but there is still much to be done if the underlying menace of stigma is to be dealt with. We as health professionals must be prepared to make the first move and give that first touch. Certainly more research is needed. In the highly endemic countries the road to elimination may yet be long. Perhaps with effort we will one day be able not only to treat the disease, but also to cure the stigma of leprosy, and make that road an easier one.
在许多人的生活中，麻风病的污名化是一个真实存在的现象，它影响着人们的身体、心理、社会和经济福祉。造成麻风病这种不良形象的原因有很多。消除这种形象并非一蹴而就，需要与社区和患者合作来完成。许多论文记录了污名化的影响，但很少讨论或试验解决办法。教育和媒体宣传活动可以纠正关于麻风病的错误观念，提高人们对该领域新进展的认识。麻风病护理越来越多地在综合环境中提供，向患者及其社区表明麻风病并非一种孤立的疾病。身体和社会经济康复对于恢复患者在社区中的自我价值和地位是有意义的，并且有助于患者找到工作。团体咨询可以让麻风病患者谈论他们的感受和经历，从而相互支持。对麻风病的态度正在逐渐改变，但要消除潜在的污名化威胁，仍有许多工作要做。作为健康专业人员，我们必须准备好迈出第一步并给予首次接触。当然，还需要更多的研究。在麻风病高流行国家，实现消除麻风病的目标可能还有很长的路要走。也许通过努力，有朝一日我们不仅能够治疗这种疾病，还能消除麻风病的污名，让这条路走得更轻松。
