A case study of three cured lepers in Tala Leprosarium

• Main Authors: Lo, Ricardo C., Valencia, Ma. Eloisa B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1984
• Subjects: Leprosy > Patients; Leprosy > Case studies; Leprosy > Treatment; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_honors/15
• Institution: De La Salle University

Leprosy and its problems have always been surrounded by a smog og ignorance, fear, myth and superstitions. This study is intended to present the life of a leprosy patient before, during and after contracting the disease. Emphasis was placed on the respondents' experiences, thoughts, feelings, ideas and reactions during the various stages of the illness. The analysis focused mainly on the factors which brought about their present condition and the process which each respondent went through towards the acceptance of their condition. Purposive Sampling Technique was employed and the sample consisted of 2 young cured leprosy patients and a female elderly cured leper. They were chosen with the help of the nuns who have known the respondents for a long time. The method employed is descriptive in nature wherein a case study was made of each of the 3 leprosy patients. Based on the findings, the researchers found out that the factors which influenced the lepers to achieve their present condition may have been brought about by an incident past experience, a person or persons and a goal which he has set for himself and attitudes towards life (beliefs, principles, religion). Some of these factors are needs for self-esteem and esteem from others, for belongingness and acceptance, etc. support from significant others faith and religion.