01454nas a2200181   4500000000100000008004100001653001100042653001200053653001200065653001300077653001200090653001400102245009900116856007000215490000700285050001400292520096600306       2010                            d10aStigma10aNigeria10aleprosy10aHospital10aBeliefs10aAttitudes00aBeliefs and attitudes about leprosy of non-leprosy patients in a reversely integrated hospital  uhttp://english.aifo.it/disability/apdrj/apdrj210/leprosy_iyor.pdf0 v21  aIYOR 20103 a<p>Beliefs and attitudes of non leprosy patients in a Nigerian hospital were assessed from 119 volunteer subjects using a questionnaire. Attitude score averaged 43.6±22.7 ranging from 0 to 100. Attitudes were poor in 37.8% of respondents, fair in 31.1%, and good in 31.1%. Beliefs averaged 53.6±20.7 (0 to 100). Beliefs were poor in 17.7%, fair in 33.6% and good in 48.7% of respondents. Attitudes correlated with beliefs significantly (r = 0.37; P =0.00). Difference in beliefs of out-patients and ward patients was significant (t=3.19; P = 0.00). Duration of stay did not affect beliefs (r = 0.11; P = 0.23) or attitudes (r = 0.00; P = 0.96). Beliefs and attitudes were fairly good with no reluctance to attend the hospital because of stigma. Prejudices however exist about sharing facilities closely with leprosy affected persons. Targeted enlightenment programmes for non–leprosy patients are needed to improve beliefs and attitudes about leprosy.</p>