Albinism in Malawi: knowledge and beliefs from an African setting

Type Journal Article - Disability & Society
Title Albinism in Malawi: knowledge and beliefs from an African setting
Author(s)
Volume 21
Issue 6
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2006
Page numbers 599-611
URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687590600918081
Abstract
This article is based on a qualitative project which has set out to examine knowledge, beliefs and behaviour related to people living with albinism in Malawi. Individual, in‐depth interviews were carried out with 25 people with albinism and their family members. The findings show that most people with albinism, as well as their families, have very little knowledge about albinism, but many know and experience that the skin of people with albinism is very sensitive to the sun, and therefore take precautions to prevent injury. Stories of common myths were told, as well as stories of different relationships that are altered as a result of albinism. Stories were also told of love and approval of people with albinism. In Malawi people with albinism are considered, and consider themselves to be, disabled.

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