Factors that Influence Women in Selected Zongo Communities in Ghana into Skin Bleaching

Samuel Poatob ,S M Noor Mohammed ,Mohammed Adam

doi:10.7176/rhss/9-10-03

Abstract

The study analysed the factors that influence women in selected Zongo communities (Aboabo, Nima, Sawaba, Asawasi, Madina) in the country into skin bleaching. A sample size of fifteen (15) women who were selected through the purposive sampling technique was used to conduct the study. Interviews (semi-structured interview guide) were used to collect the data necessary for study. The data collected was analysed thematically. They bleach their skins for many reasons including the desire to sustain their marriages, the attempt to treat acne and also as a result of influence from peers among others. It was therefore recommended that the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Food and Drugs Authority, the government and other responsible agents should take up the responsibility of educating Ghanaians on the dangers of skin bleaching. Keywords : Zongo women, Skin bleaching DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-10-03 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Highlights

Background to the Study The art of body beautification is not a new practice in the human society, not even in our Ghanaian society
The art of body beautification has progressed from ordinary maintenance of natural complexion to complete skin bleaching; an art of changing the colour of the body to become lighter
While skin bleaching may be prescribed by a dermatologist as remedy for medical problems like hyperpigmentation due to sun damage, skin irritation and effects of using birth control pills, many African men and women do not bleach for these reasons and neither is skin bleaching recommended to them by a dermatologist with the usual prescription of bleaching agent containing less than 2% of hydroquinone (Engema, 2016)

Summary

Introduction

Background to the Study The art of body beautification is not a new practice in the human society, not even in our Ghanaian society. The population used in this study was women, young and old in the Zongo communities who engage or at a point in time in their lives engaged in the practice of skin bleaching.

Results

Conclusion