Being black in a white skin: Beliefs and stereotypes around albinism at a South African university

Phatoli, Relebohile; Bila, Nontembeko Joyce; Ross, Eleanor

doi:10.4102/ajod.v4i1.106

Cited by 31 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 14 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…For example, in Tanzania albinism is misbelieved to be the result of a curse [ 14 ] or because a pregnant woman has looked at a person with albinism [ 16 ]. Other authors too, have explored the articulation in society that albinism is God’s will [ 11 , 17 , 38 , 39 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Africa, lack of the usual dark pigmentation found in indigenous populations makes the visible appearance of those with the condition markedly different to those in their families and communities without albinism. They are in effect what Phatoli and colleagues [ 11 ] describe as ‘being black in a white skin’. This has significant, negative psychosocial and cultural impacts brought about by perceptions of ‘otherness’ [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Their study showed how even when the genetic explanation for albinism is accepted, it runs parallel to existing beliefs. More recently, studies in Tanzania [ 12 , 18 ] and South Africa [ 11 ] have extended the evidence base regarding the mythology of albinism. Importantly, they have highlighted its corollary; the endemic marginalisation of people with albinism.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Beliefs about people with albinism in Uganda: A qualitative study using the Common-Sense Model

Bradbury‐Jones

Ogik²,

Betts³

et al. 2018

PLoS ONE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Albinism includes a group of inherited conditions that result in reduced melanin production. It has been documented across the world, with a high frequency in sub-Saharan Africa. There is very little published research about the lives of people with albinism, but available evidence shows that myths abound regarding their condition. They are feared, viewed with suspicion and believed to have supernatural powers. In this study we explored the links between beliefs, myths, traditions and positive/negative attitudes that surround people with albinism in Uganda. The study was located philosophically within Ubuntu—an Afrocentric worldview—and theoretically within the Common-Sense Model of self-regulation of health and illness that originates from the work of Leventhal in 2003. This qualitative study took place in eight districts of Busoga sub-region, Uganda between 2015 and 2017. Data collection comprised eight group discussions and 17 individual interviews with a range of informants, capturing the viewpoints of 73 participants. Findings lend support to previous research, highlighting the life-time discrimination and disadvantage experienced by many people with albinism. It shows that there is still much to be done to address the pervasive and potentially harmful beliefs and misconceptions about people with albinism.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Beliefs about people with albinism in Uganda: A qualitative study using the Common-Sense Model

Bradbury‐Jones

Ogik²,

Betts³

et al. 2018

PLoS ONE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[9][10][11] In comparison, PWA in South Africa have reported better health and increased self-esteem when governmental and nongovernmental institutions were able to provide reliable educational, social, and medical resources. 9,17,18 Campaigns are needed to increase albinism awareness Limitations of this study include the small sample size, limited follow-up period, and incomplete data including lack of histological diagnosis for many cases. The limited access to diagnostic histopathology in our cohort is a common barrier to cancer care across sub-Saharan Africa.…”

Section: Clinical Featuresmentioning

confidence: 98%

Patterns of skin cancer and treatment outcomes for patients with albinism at Kisangani Clinic, Democratic Republic of Congo

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background People with albinism (PWA) are at increased risk of photodamage and skin cancer. In many parts of Africa, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding albinism which can lead to societal stigma, discrimination, and persecution from an early age. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), there is limited clinical data on PWA and skin cancer. We aim to better understand sociodemographics, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of this population. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of albinism and skin cancer presenting to Kisangani Albino Clinic were enrolled. Results Of 205 PWA, 61 patients were diagnosed with skin cancer with a mean age of 26.5 years. Common occupations were student (45.6%) or unemployed (26.4%). Discrimination was experienced from close contacts (24.4%) and society (67.4%). A majority (88.5%) had never used sunscreen, only 4.9% used fully sun protective clothing, and 90.2% spent 4 or more hours in the sun daily. Skin cancers had a mean size of 3.8 cm and were most commonly located on the face (47.7%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histopathological diagnosis. Most patients underwent excision, and 90.2% had clinical clearance of tumors at a mean follow‐up of 5.7 months. Conclusion People living with albinism in the DRC experience a high rate of nonmelanoma skin cancers at a young age and additionally face a number of psychosocial challenges. This study represents the first attempt to analyze a cohort of patients with albinism from the DRC and serves to increase awareness of this vulnerable population.

show abstract

“…defines albinism as a group of rare inherited conditions which affects the pigments in eyes, hair and skin of people throughout the world including Africa. Albinism in Africa is accompanied with a number of myths and stereotypes regarding albinism (Phatoli et al, 2015). This paper presents explanations and experiences from People with Albinism (PWA).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lifelong Agony Among People with Albinism (PWA): Tales From Lake Zone in Tanzania

Masanja¹,

Imori²,

Kaudunde³

2020

jsp

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A qualitative study conducted in the northern regions surrounding Lake Victoria in Tanzania, reveals that, People with Albinism (PWA) have been harshly treated for long. Mothers were required to terminate lives of their abnormally born infants (like albino infants). Besides lifelong challenges due to albinism condition, people searched for their body parts even after "being hidden" in unmarked graves after their deaths. Beliefs fuelling such ill-treatment on PWA are deep rooted and intertwined among peoples' mind under influence of cultural beliefs existing for several decades. Proper approach should be designed for permanent solution of the long existed inhumane practices against People with Albinism. 330According to Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network (2016), murders of People with Albinism (PWA) is part of a larger global problem where violence is perpetuated due to beliefs in witchcraft, juju, muti or spirit possession. It is almost always that, the most vulnerable groups are children, women, the elderly and disabled who are the most targeted. The Guardians (2019), elaborate that, myths and misperceptions surrounding albinism in Tanzania are too numerous to count. This paper presents tales from informants on beliefs and practices related to people with albinism in the study regions. MethodologyThis study aimed at exploring and understanding more on beliefs and practices related to people with albinism. Due to sensitivity of the study, qualitative methods were used in data collection. Interviews with key informants were conducted. This study was in search of in-depth knowledge and experiences on a sensitive issue. The methods enabled the study to learn a lot from interviewees concerning their views and knowledge on albinism.Key informants interviews aimed at creating comfortable environment for them to talk openly and freely than if they had been in a group due to sensitivity of the issue studied. Selection of key informants for interviews depended on the quality of respondents selected. Collected data were interpreted and organized into themes considering words, meanings, and messages that were communicated. Tales on Practices and Beliefs Related to PWAFrom interviews conducted, below are narrated issues concerning the fate of People with Albinism. Uncelebrated births of Children with AlbinismAccording to Van Beek (2002), birth is both a biological experience and a cultural construct. It is the event through which societies do celebrate the rebirth of their future. However, births of children with albinism were unwelcomed in most African culture (Barnes, 1985). , elaborate that;-Babies born with the inherited condition (albinism), resulting in reduced melanin pigment in their hair, skin and eyes, are vulnerable in multiple ways in Africa: as children, as visually impaired, as socially ostracised, isolated and excluded, and as potential victims of witchcraft-related violence targeted for their body parts for use in 'lucky' charms thought to bring good fortune.Children born with abnormality were see...

show abstract

Being black in a white skin: Beliefs and stereotypes around albinism at a South African university

Cited by 31 publications

References 14 publications

Beliefs about people with albinism in Uganda: A qualitative study using the Common-Sense Model

Beliefs about people with albinism in Uganda: A qualitative study using the Common-Sense Model

Patterns of skin cancer and treatment outcomes for patients with albinism at Kisangani Clinic, Democratic Republic of Congo

Lifelong Agony Among People with Albinism (PWA): Tales From Lake Zone in Tanzania

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About