Socioeconomic and Health Challenges of Migrant Leprosy Patients and Implications for Rehabilitation in Shikohabad, Uttar Pradesh: A Mixed-Method Study
1
Parul Institute of Public Health, Parul University, Vadodara, India
2
NLR India Foundation, New Delhi, India
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Leprosy remains a public health concern in India, particularly among migrant and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Despite effective treatment, affected individuals continue to face poverty, stigma, and limited access to rehabilitation services. Migrant leprosy patients experience added vulnerabilities due to unstable livelihoods, lack of documentation. This study assessed the socioeconomic and health challenges of migrant leprosy patients in Shikohabad, Firozabad District, and identified priorities for effective rehabilitation.
METHODS:
A mixed-method study design was used. Quantitative data were collected through a structured survey of 154 migrant leprosy patients selected using random sampling. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, health status, socioeconomic conditions, stigma, and access to healthcare and rehabilitation services. Descriptive analysis was performed. Qualitative data were collected through 17 in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion using purposive sampling and analyzed thematically to explore lived experiences and rehabilitation needs.
RESULTS:
72% were male and 28% female. Although 100% of participants were receiving multi-drug therapy, only 9% perceived adequate access to healthcare services. 38.9% of respondents had no formal education, and 52% of men were self-employed in informal work, while all women were engaged in unpaid household labor. Economic vulnerability was pronounced, with 47% receiving government financial assistance ranging from ₹1000–3000 per month, reported as insufficient. Social stigma was reported by 19%, mainly affecting employment and community participation. Notably, 100% were unaware of rehabilitation services, only 19% expressed interest in vocational training. Qualitative findings highlighted job loss, social exclusion, lack of documentation, inadequate financial support, and absence of mental health services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Migrant leprosy patients experience socioeconomic hardship and stigma despite access to medical treatment. The findings highlight critical gaps in rehabilitation awareness, accessibility, and service delivery. Integrated rehabilitation approaches combining healthcare, livelihood support, mental health services, and stigma reduction are essential to improve social reintegration and quality of life.
Leprosy remains a public health concern in India, particularly among migrant and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Despite effective treatment, affected individuals continue to face poverty, stigma, and limited access to rehabilitation services. Migrant leprosy patients experience added vulnerabilities due to unstable livelihoods, lack of documentation. This study assessed the socioeconomic and health challenges of migrant leprosy patients in Shikohabad, Firozabad District, and identified priorities for effective rehabilitation.
METHODS:
A mixed-method study design was used. Quantitative data were collected through a structured survey of 154 migrant leprosy patients selected using random sampling. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, health status, socioeconomic conditions, stigma, and access to healthcare and rehabilitation services. Descriptive analysis was performed. Qualitative data were collected through 17 in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion using purposive sampling and analyzed thematically to explore lived experiences and rehabilitation needs.
RESULTS:
72% were male and 28% female. Although 100% of participants were receiving multi-drug therapy, only 9% perceived adequate access to healthcare services. 38.9% of respondents had no formal education, and 52% of men were self-employed in informal work, while all women were engaged in unpaid household labor. Economic vulnerability was pronounced, with 47% receiving government financial assistance ranging from ₹1000–3000 per month, reported as insufficient. Social stigma was reported by 19%, mainly affecting employment and community participation. Notably, 100% were unaware of rehabilitation services, only 19% expressed interest in vocational training. Qualitative findings highlighted job loss, social exclusion, lack of documentation, inadequate financial support, and absence of mental health services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Migrant leprosy patients experience socioeconomic hardship and stigma despite access to medical treatment. The findings highlight critical gaps in rehabilitation awareness, accessibility, and service delivery. Integrated rehabilitation approaches combining healthcare, livelihood support, mental health services, and stigma reduction are essential to improve social reintegration and quality of life.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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