Reactions to and explanations for the birth of a baby with albinism: a qualitative study in Busoga, Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Babies born with the genetic condition albinism lack pigment in their hair, skin and eyes due to compromised melanin production. This leads to poor vision and the risk of early death due to skin cancer. In Uganda, one of the least developed countries in the world, their lack of pigmentation makes them very different in appearance within their communities. Local explanations of albinism include links to witchcraft and the supernatural. We aimed to explore reactions to the birth of a baby with albinism in Uganda.

Design

Secondary analysis of birth stories derived from qualitative interviews and focus group discussions in sharing circles.

Setting

Interviews took place in the Busoga subregion (kingdom) in the eastern part of Uganda.

Participants

Seventy-

SUBMITTER: Taylor J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7907870 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature