This study aims to analyze the discourses of institutionalized patients with leprosy, focusing on stigma and fight for social inclusion. It is a qualitative study, developed in Casa de Saúde Santa Fé, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Ten patients were interviewed from March to October 2011. We adopted the oral history methodology and used discourse analysis in the evaluation of interviews, starting from the psychosocial reference. It was found, in the statements the strength of stigma, as well as its character, seemingly permanent, in the collective imagination regarding leprosy. We realize that the stigma is still strong obstacle in fighting the disease, and may produce changes in the psyche and history of life of affected individuals. We conclude that there is need for comprehensive approach to support the social inclusion of patients with sequelae by leprosy.
Social stigma; leprosy; social isolation; social perception