Abstract:
This study looked at stigma communication, beliefs, and stigma management strategies employed by persons infected with visceral leishmaniasis in West Pokot County, Kenya. Stigma itself has been known all over the world to cause delayed health-seeking behavior among patients. The messages that are shared and communicated in various societies determine how patients will behave and, this has overall ramifications to the way the affected individuals behave. Data gathered in this study revealed that patients who suffered from visceral leishmaniasis were being stigmatized and labeled in society. The participants also talked about the existing beliefs and perceptions of those infected with visceral leishmaniasis. The beliefs, which ranged from curses to witchcraft, were adversely mentioned. Almost all respondents and interviewees shared their experiences and mentioned the existing cultural beliefs, which significantly hampered the health-seeking behavior of the infected individuals. For instance, there were perceptions that consumption of raw food caused visceral leishmaniasis. This is contrary to the scientific and tested ways in which the disease is likely to spread. Some of the communication management strategies employed by the infected individuals included hiding the mark, accepting the situation, and being reactive to those who looked at them cunningly. Since stigma is a communication issue experienced by the affected individuals, the study’s recommendation is a need for urgent communication strategies that would reduce stigma experienced and delayed health-seeking behavior.
