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Community attitude to divorce in leprosy
Indian Journal of Leprosy
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Social stigma surrounding leprosy often leads to divorce. A study found that in Andhra Pradesh, divorce advice was more common among educated females from poorer backgrounds, while in Orissa, a higher proportion of respondents advised divorce.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Leprosy is associated with significant social stigma, leading to discrimination.
- Divorce from a spouse with leprosy is a manifestation of this stigma, influenced by perceived threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic factors influencing community members' advice regarding divorce from leprosy-afflicted spouses.
- To compare divorce proneness in two Indian states: Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 1199 community members in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
- Respondents were asked for their advice if a leprosy patient's spouse sought counsel.
- Responses were cross-tabulated with demographic characteristics.
Main Results:
- In Andhra Pradesh, a small proportion advised divorce, primarily educated females from poorer economic groups involved in cultivation or labor.
- In contrast, a high proportion of respondents in Orissa suggested divorce.
Conclusions:
- Demographic factors significantly influence advice on divorcing a leprosy-afflicted spouse.
- Regional differences (Orissa vs. Andhra Pradesh) exist in the propensity to advise divorce, highlighting varying social attitudes towards leprosy.