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Experience of People Living with Leprosy at Leprosy Settlements in Nigeria
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  • Edith Nnenna Utaka,
  • 1. Gabriel Ilerioluwa Oke,
  • Ifeanyi Nsofor,
  • Bashar Abubakar,
  • Don-Eliseo Lucero-Prisno,
  • Ademola Peter Sunday,
  • Ernesto Oluwafemi Dibia,
  • Emmanuel Elebesunu,
  • Obadiah Okpokpo,
  • Odinaka Kingsley Obeta,
  • Abdulhammed Babatunde,
  • Adebowale Adeyemi,
  • PHILIP ADEOYE
Edith Nnenna Utaka
Foundation for Education Initiatives Support

Corresponding Author:utakaedith@gmail.com

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1. Gabriel Ilerioluwa Oke
Nigeria Health Watch
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Ifeanyi Nsofor
Veritas University Abuja
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Bashar Abubakar
Nigeria Health Watch
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Don-Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
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Ademola Peter Sunday
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
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Ernesto Oluwafemi Dibia
University of Ibadan Faculty of Science
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Emmanuel Elebesunu
University of Nigeria - Enugu Campus
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Obadiah Okpokpo
Ambrose Alli University
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Odinaka Kingsley Obeta
University of Jos
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Abdulhammed Babatunde
University of Ibadan College of Medicine
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Adebowale Adeyemi
Veritas University Abuja
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PHILIP ADEOYE
Jos University Teaching Hospital
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Abstract

This research explores the experience of people living with leprosy at leprosy settlements in Nigeria. This is a concurrent mixed methods design whereby questionnaires, focus groups and interviews are conducted simultaneously. Seven leprosy communities were visited, one from Nigeria’s six geographical zones and the Federal capital area. This study included 35 leprosy patients, 21 family members, seven community leaders, and seven officers in charge of the leprosy settlements. Also questioned were two heads of organisations involved with leprosy control in Nigeria. Majority (93.7%) of the respondents have access to healthcare in the health centres. Majority (95.2%) are interested in learning self-care practices for skin-related neglected diseases. About three-fourths (74.6%) receive free healthcare and accent that PLWL are admitted into the same ward as other patients. Whilst funding is a growing concern for leprosy control, the data from the interview confirmed that there is little support from the government but more from non-governmental organisations and implementing partners in Nigeria for people living with leprosy. Experts demonstrated that leprosy now ranks high among neglected diseases. The Nigerian government must work with partners to ensure the improvement and sustainability of leprosy control programs.
17 Aug 2023Submitted to Public Health Challenges
25 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
25 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
01 Sep 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
01 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Accept