Social stigmatization of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Although cutaneous leishmaniasis rarely evolves to death, it has a negative impact on daily life, with psychological and social consequences that interfere with the personal relationships and with the quality of life of the affected individual. The objective of this study was to analyze the verbal report of individuals with active cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in order to identify the psychosocial consequences and to demonstrate effects of stigmatizing behaviors and their possible relation with the ideas of cure, contagion and causality. We interviewed 24 patients with active lesions on exposed areas of the skin: fifteen of the male and nine of the female gender. The statements and issues addressed in the study show an important psychological and social impact, especially regarding the female gender, with manifestations of social exclusion and stigmatizing attitudes. Popularly preconceived ideas about causality and disease contagion seem to be responsible for these consequences. Therefore, there is a need for studies that incorporate a multidisciplinary and contextualized approach to the sociocultural history of populations in order to minimize the negative impact on the lives of the affected individuals.