[Perception of lepers by non-lepers in an urban center in Cameroon]

We investigated the knowledge and perceptions the general population have about leprosy in a sociological study between 1994 and 1995 in the city of Yaounde (Cameroon). The sample consisted of 251 respondents aged between 15 and 73 (mean 30 +/- 18) years old. Asked about the causes of leprosy, 27.8% knew that the disease was caused by microbes, 33.4% did not know the cause, 17.4% thought the disease to be hereditary and 7.6% due to ill luck. Attitudes to lepers depended on the type of behavior considered. Thus, interactions that did not involve physical contact were generally welcomed (94%), whereas physical contact was shunned: only 45% would tolerate it. Intimacy was rejected by almost all subjects. Analysis of the opinion of leprosy victim-oriented social projects indicated that most subjects showed humanitarian concern for lepers, but preferred public to individual support. The study group did not want to be individually or personally committed to any form of special support for leprosy victims, but clearly saw the need and justification for public concern for these patients.