Abstract
This study focused on psychosocial problems facing leprosy patients in Anambra State with emphasis
on alienation and suicidal tendencies. Questionnaire containing 17 close ended and 3 open ended items
was administered on 34 patients at Okija and Nnewi Leprosy Clinics which were purposively selected
for the study. Frequency tables and simple percentages were used for analysis. It wasfound that patients
encounter stigmatization, alienation, segregation, low self-esteem, self-destructive tendencies and other
forms of psychosocial morbidity and dysfunctions. The level of alienation and contemplations of suicide
was relatively high. It was recommended that Psychologists and Sociologists who have expertise to
understand and respond to these problems should be part of leprosy control teams. Patients, their
families and the community should also be properly informed about leprosy in order to improve their
understanding of the disease, stimulate appropriate coping responses and improve efficiency of leprosy
control programme in the State.