Oculocutaneous albinism in southern Africa
Population structure, health and genetic care
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 14679431 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Patricia Lund (Coventry University, corresponding author), P M Lund |
| Year | 2005 |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 168-173 |
| Publication date | 2005-03-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Annals of Human Biology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0301-4460 • E-ISSN: 1464-5033 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/03014460500075423 |
| PMID | 16096213 |
| OpenAlex | W2031809208 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 13 |
| References cited | 12 |
BACKGROUND: People with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) have reduced levels of melanin in their hair, skin and eyes, with associated visual impairment and extreme sun sensitivity requiring lifelong monitoring. This genetic condition is surrounded by myth, superstition and fear in Africa, where affected individuals and their families may be rejected, shunned and excluded from their community. OBJECTIVE: This review reports population studies in southern Africa to determine the distribution of people with OCA in this predominantly rural and relatively impoverished area-crucial information for health and education providers. Health and genetic care studies document the range of eye and skin problems experienced and suggest effective and sustainable ways to manage these needs in a low resource setting. CONCLUSION: Innovative genetic care programmes in northern South Africa facilitate low-cost management of albinism, raise self-esteem and promote community awareness, helping to improve the long-term health prospects and social integration of those affected. This holistic approach of dealing with albinism from both a medical and a sociological perspective could be applied in other areas of Africa where this condition is prevalent
Albinism · Biology · Economic growth · Environmental health · Geography · Health care · Oculocutaneous albinism · Population · Superstition · Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects · Hair Growth and Disorders · Medicine · melanin and skin pigmentation · Genetics
Why Always me?”
Lack of adequate sun protection for children with oculocutaneous albinism in South Africa
Albinism in Africa as a public health issue
Employment barriers and opportunities faced by people with albinism. A case of youths with albinism in Harare, Zimbabwe
Influence of social stigma on subjective well‐being of persons with albinism in Ghana
Accumulated social vulnerability and experiences of psycho-trauma among women living with albinism in Tanzania
Labeling albinism
Identifying strategies to enhance the educational inclusion of visually impaired children with albinism in Malawi
Oculocutaneous albinism in a rural community of South Africa
Basis for the gain and subsequent dilution of epidermal pigmentation during human evolution
Naming, labelling and the cultural construction of the identity of persons with albinism in East, Central, and West Africa
The myths surrounding people with albinism in South Africa and Zimbabwe
Albinism, stigma, subjectivity and global-local discourses in Tanzania
| Unique citing works | 13 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0.65 |
| Citation span | 2006 - 2024 (19) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 12 |