A study of social stigma among leprosy patients attending leprosy clinic in Gwalior.

The present study is a longitudinal study and was undertaken from November 1977 to January 1979. The study included 344 cases of leprosy patients from different areas. The data was collected, tabulated and analysed which revealed the following salient features. 26.45% cases were having one, or more than one type of social stigma, 42.86% cases showed social stigma from their neighbours. 62.64% cases were having stigma for touch, 30.77% cases were in age group of 45--54 years. Males were more victims of social stigma, than females. The social stigma was more prevalent in illiterates and low socio-economic group patients. 69.03% cases were in need of social rehabilitation.