Accumulated social vulnerability and experiences of psycho-trauma among women living with albinism in Tanzania

Abstract

People with albinism are prone to experiencing negative attitudes from society, including stigma and discrimination, which place them at risk of mental health-related challenges. This exploratory study expanded and deepened our understanding of people with albinism by examining in-depth the experiences of women with albinism residing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study utilized community-based descriptive cross-sectional and mixed data collection methods to identify the unique experiences of women with albinism. Findings indicate that women with Albinism experience stress and adversity at some point throughout their lives. This study showed that threats to their safety, discrimination, and abuse affect this population physically and bring profound psychological/emotional impacts. Myths and misconceptions about albinism have laid the foundation for the present prejudices and social stigma, thus requiring increased efforts at public education regarding albinism in Tanzania. Points of interest This article explores the unique experiences of women with albinism in Tanzania; albinism might be an additional factor to others which might contribute to the development of mental health challenges. This study also contributes to research on people with albinism in Tanzania by examining the unique experiences of women from their own voices. The present study focuses on psychological problems and provides awareness on risks the population faces regarding their general mental health. Understanding the experiences and psychological impacts of such experiences to people with albinism, particularly women, may impart knowledge to service providers and society at large. The study found that personal threats to the life of women with albinism or other people with albinism are significant sources of trauma which causes major distress at the time of the experience and in the months following experiences.