A qualitative study based on individual interview was carried outrnin Tekle Haimanot and adjacent Awrajas and at the All AfricanrnLeprosy Rehabilitation and Training Centre (ALERT). A total of 54rnrespondents were interviewed out of whom 20 were leprosy patientsrnand the rest were religious leaders, high school students, highrnschool teachers, general health workers at Tekle Haimanot HealthrnCentre, health workers at ALERT and non leprosy patients. In thisrnstudy the patterns and trends of leprosy stigmata were reviewed.rnThrough the in-depth interviews it was observed that the negativernreactions to leprosy were very prevalent, including among tlle leprosyrnpatients, and had a serious impact on the control ofrnleprosy. Though not conclusive, it was found out that there werernvery strong, high similarities in the patterns and trends of socialrnresponses regarding leprosy over the last 35 years. Leprosy wasrnperceived as a unique, chronic, non-fatal but progressivelyrndeforming disease with doubtful curability and especially a diseasernwhich could cause a disgrace to the victims and their families.rnThe findings of this study strongly showed the importance ofrnaddressing the psychological and social issues of leprosy patientsrnand the general perceptions of the society regarding leprosy beforerni mplementing or initiating integration of leprosy control programrninto the general health service. In-service training to healthrnwork ers, health education about current knowledge of leprosy to thernpatients and studies on knowledge, attitude and behaviour ofrnleprosy patients and the public are recommended.