Knowledge, attitudes and practices of people with albinism about photoprotection and skin cancers prevention in Togo

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people with albinism (PWAs) related to photoprotection and prevention of skin cancers in Togo. Materials and Method: A qualitative, cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of three months in the year 2020 among PWAs over eighteen years of age residing in Lomé, Togo. Results: A total of 78 PWAs were interviewed. Their mean age was 23.38 ± 15.11 years (extremes: 18 and 63 years), and their sex ratio (M/F) was 0.81. In terms of knowledge, all PWAs declared that photoprotection was essential to prevent skin cancers. Interview data revealed the following strengths: wearing a wide-brimmed hat (n = 77; 98.7%) and using sunscreen cream (n = 75; 96.2%) were the main means/measures of prevention. In terms of attitudes, only 27 PWAs (34.6%) said that a dermatology consultation would be their first reaction to an unusual skin lesion. The main prevention means/measures in their possession were wide-brimmed hats (91.3%), sunscreen creams (85.9%), dark clothes (76.9%), and tinted glasses (70.5%). Regarding the practices, sunscreen creams were used by 88.5% of PWAs (n = 69). About two-thirds (64.1%) of respondents used tinted glasses to protect themselves from the sun. Finally, less than a quarter of the respondents (17.9%) consulted a dermatologist for a skin lesion in the last twelve months. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that PWAs in Togo have fairly good knowledge about photoprotection and prevention of skin cancers. Attitudes and practices were generally positive but some behaviors such as dermatological follow-up still require improvement. Key words: Albinism, Sun protection, Skin cancers, Togo