02588nas a2200169   4500000000100000008004100001653001200042653002600054653001800080653002400098653001400122653001100136100001800147245016700165300000700332520207900339       2016                            d10aleprosy10aMarital relationships10aSexual health10aReproductive health10aIndonesia10aStigma1 aSusanto D F P00aThe influence of leprosy and other disabilities on marital relationships and sexual and reproductive health among married women in Indonesia: A qualitative study.  a593 a<p><em>Background</em>: Other studies on leprosy have shown that the stigma surrounding women affected by leprosy can be a great burden and can affect their marriage and SRH. Since there is still limited research about this topic the present study sought to determine in what ways leprosy and other disabilities might have an impact on marital relationships and SRH among married women living in Tegal, Indonesia. The research objective of this paper is therefore, to explore this impact, while at the same time paving future pathways for other researchers to build on.<br />
<em>Methods</em>: This study implemented a cross-sectional comparative study design with a qualitative approach, including three sample groups: 1) women affected by leprosy, 2) women with locomotor disabilities, and 3) women without disabilities. In total, the sample group consisted of twenty-four married women aged 16-45, and they were purposively selected. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were applied, directed by an interview guide that was based on Hill’s ABC-X model. Ultimately, all the interviews were analysed by means of deductive thematic analysis, using QSR NVivo 9.<br />
<em>Results</em>: Major stress events, resources, including formal and social support, and coping skills, and perceptions of the leprosy-affected women, most certainly have an impact on their marital relationship and SRH. Whether this is a positive or negative effect, leprosy and other disabilities do influence marital relationship and SRH. Strongly positive experiences are demonstrated among most of the women in both affected groups as well as in the control group with regard to the support received by their husbands and their marital relationships. Furthermore, negative (physical) effects of leprosy on sexual health were present.<br />
<em>Conclusion</em>: Further research is recommended to investigate the effects of leprosy on marital prospects. Additionally, the results of this study point to a compelling need to develop interventions regarding SRH for people affected by leprosy.</p>