02155nas a2200157   4500000000100000008004100001100002200042700001600064700002500080700001800105245003700123856004900160300001200209490000700221520176900228       2020                            d1 aMahdavi Shahri SM1 aMohammadi N1 aNikbakht Nasrabadi A1 aKhamesipour A00aLeprostigma : A Concept Analysis  uhttps://www.ijl.org.in/article-detail/92/398  a243-2560 v923 aLeprostigma negatively impacts on leprosy afflicted persons (LAPs). Understanding the concept of
Leprostigma is very important in providing optimal nursing care for LAPs. However, this concept remains
obscure in the literature and has been defined differently in various studies. The use of different terms for this
concept has made its use more complicated in practice. This concept analysis attempts to analyze the
leprostigma concept to clarify, reduce ambiguities, semantic integration, and increase stability in applying the
concept. The relevant literature was reviewed using Walker and Avant's framework, and the attributes of
Leprostigma were determined. Leprostigma manifests in three main faces that their attributes determine the
boundaries of the concept. Enacted-Leprostigma defines as externally humiliating behaviors and
discrimination experienced and perceived by LAPs. Felt-Leprostigma is the anticipation, expectance,
prejudgment, or fear of LAPs of label attachment and discrimination by others. Self-leprostigma defines as an
unfavorable personal experience of self-discredited, feeling of inferiority, and self-loathing. Leprostigma
developed from a primitive concept with emphasis on LAPs attributes to the concept with a complex social
structure. It occurs in a broad spectrum of unfair and negative consequences through a dynamic process. This
concept analysis can improve the implementation of more extended studies and the development of research
tools as well as practice. It is observed that different kinds of Leprostigma have overlapping values and affect
each other. As a result of analysis presented in this study, it is recommended that the term "Leprostigma" be
used instead of various leprosy-related stigma terms