Date of Award
Spring 4-6-2012
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Dr. Cassandra White
Second Advisor
Dr. Bethany Turner
Third Advisor
Dr. Scott Catey
Abstract
This thesis uses a critical medical anthropology approach to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives of Hansen’s disease (HD) patients’ treatment-seeking experiences in the United States. During semi-structured interviews my eight informants discussed challenges patients face when seeking treatment. The number one challenge discussed was that of knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals which influence misconceptions of HD being highly contagious and dangerous. Such misconceptions negatively influence patients’ treatment from start to finish. My informants discussed their understandings of, and roles in minimizing challenges for their patients.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/2761249
Recommended Citation
Kuhns, Kristen E., "What's to Know?: Navigating Knowledge Gaps of Hansen's Disease in the U.S.." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2012.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/2761249