らいに対するらい患者の考え方 --北部インドにおけるらい患者の分析--

Abstract

A survey was conducted by direct interview of patients visiting the Leprosy Patients Welfare Society Old Mahapalika building in Agra city, U.P. State, India, from the end of July to mid-August, in both 1984 and 1985, for a total of 6 weeks. The purpose of the survey was to observe and analyze the extent to which differences in religion, education, and location of residence influenced individual attitude toward leprosy. Interviewed were a total of 705 people. The male-to-female ratio was 4:1, with both males and females being predominantly of productive age. The Hindu-to-Muslim ratio was 3, 1:1. Among those interviewed, 77.0% were residents of rural arers. The illiteracy rate was 71.6%; this ratio was especially high in those from rural areas. About half the subjects believed the cause of leprosy to be uncleanness of the blood; this was especially so among young children of elementary school. The next most common belief was that curse was the cause, followed by fate. Both Hinduism and Muslim strongly influence lifestyles and consciousness from birth to death, and belief in the after-life. Especially in the field of public education concerning leprosy, general health and hygiene education are the basis of all hygienic activities, however, adequate consideration must also be given to such factors in leprosy as traditional customs and prejudices.