Authors: Krishna Kumari, A.¹; Harichandrakumar, K. T.²; Krishnamoorthy, K.³; Das, L. K.¹

Source: Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Volume 104, Number 5, July 2010 , pp. 421-426(6)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

Between November 2006 and November 2009, the stigmata and discrimination experienced by 201 cases of lymphatic filariasis (LF) living in three areas of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu (the Pondicherry urban agglomeration and two, endemic, rural villages in Villupuram district) were investigated in interviews. The narratives of nine of the interviewees are reported here in detail, to bring to light the various domains of life in which LF cases are stigmatized and discriminated against. Lymphatic filariasis can, and often does, adversely affect each case's livelihood, marital prospects, and social and marital life and can also diminish the marital prospects of a case's children. The deformity caused by the disease and the incapacitation resulting from the often-frequent attacks of adenolymphangitis appeared to be the main reasons for the stigmatization and discrimination. Although morbidity control is one of the 'twin pillars' of the Global Programme for Elimination of Filariasis, the stigmata and discrimination associated with such morbidity also need to be addressed.

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/136485910X12786389891128

Affiliations: 1: Vector Control Research Centre (Indian Council of Medical Research), Indira Nagar, Pondicherry, 605 006, India 2: Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Dhanwantiri Nagar, Pondicherry, 605 006, India 3: Vector Control Research Centre (Indian Council of Medical Research), Indira Nagar, Pondicherry, 605 006, India; Email: krishnaunni@gmail.com

Publication date: 2010-07-01

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• In 2012 Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology changed its name to Pathogens and Global Health to reflect changes and developments in the subject area. View the issues of Pathogens and Global Health available online..
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