- Promotor
- Co-promotor
- Co-promotor
- Date
- Wednesday 27 Oct 2021, 15:30 - 17:00
- Type
- PhD defence
- Space
- Professor Andries Querido room
- Building
- Education Center
- Location
- Erasmus MC
On 27 October 2021, A.T. van 't Noordende will defend her PhD dissertation, entitled: ‘The Perception of Leprosy: Studies on assessment, impact and interventions at individual, family and community level’.
Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease that is characterised by hypopigmented, anaesthetic skin patches. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be progressive and lead to permanent impairments and disabilities. Many persons affected by leprosy experience negative consequences of their condition, such as social participation restrictions and mental distress. Family members may also experience public disapproval as a consequence of being associated with their affected family member. This is caused by the very widespread negative perceptions about and practices towards persons affected and their disease. Perception is an important driver of discrimination. The overall aim of this thesis is to contribute to a better understanding of the perception of leprosy and to explore interventions to change the perception of leprosy at individual, family, and community level.
The specific research questions addressed are:
- What are determinants of perception and knowledge of leprosy in endemic communities?
- How does leprosy impact marital and family life?
- How effective are posters and community meetings in changing perception and knowledge of leprosy at community level?
- What interventions have the potential to reduce the impact of leprosy at individual and family level?
The public defence will take place at the Prof. Andries Queridoroom, 3rd floor Education Center, Erasmus MC. The ceremony will begin exactly at 15.30 PM. In light of the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.