Avaliação da percepção do estigma relacionado à participação e ao suporte social em indivíduos com hanseníase na Zona da Mata Mineira

Abstract

Introduction: People with leprosy experience situations of prejudice which, together with the stigma and discrimination, culminate in social isolation and the restriction of social relationships. Objective: To evaluate the perception of stigma in individuals with leprosy and relate it to the degree of restriction of participation and social support. Methods: Cross-sectional study using semi-structured interviews and scales of Participation and Evaluation of Social Support in 20 users in treatment for leprosy in the first half of 2014, in the Zona da Mata Mineira. Results: Highlights the lack of knowledge about the disease and its cover-up by persons suffering from leprosy. They did not experience situations of discrimination, but believe that people with leprosy are discriminated. Social support was present and there was no restriction of participation. There was an association between negative reaction to the diagnosis with severe restriction of social participation and presence of social support, and between lack of social support with their dissatisfaction. Conclusions: The cover-up of disease and the presence of social support were considered as protective factors. Approaches to psychological repercussions due the cover-up of disease are needed in future studies.