Cultural Mechanisms of Leprosy-Related Stigma: A Gendered Analysis Using the What Matters Most Framework in Far-Western Nepal.

Leprosy-related stigma in Nepal adversely affects socioeconomic and health outcomes. The cultural shaping of stigma is often overlooked in stigma (reduction) research. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) identify cultural capabilities in daily life that "matter most" for men and women; (ii) extend and corroborate perspectives and experiences of leprosy-related stigma; and (iii) explore how "what matters most" (WMM) intensifies or protects against leprosy-related stigma in Far-Western Nepal.