Sun-protection strategies amongst people living with Albinism in Benin-city, Southern Nigeria
Keywords:
Oculocutaneous albinism, sun-protectionAbstract
Background: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is an inherited disorder of generalized hypopigmentation. Dermatological care and protection from UV radiation are necessary for individuals with OCA. We assessed the patterns of protection strategies amongst persons living with albinism in Benin-city, Nigeria.
Methods: Snow ball sampling methods were employed to investigate sun protection strategies amongst albinos in UBTH, Benin-city, Nigeria. Avoidance of sun peak hours, sun-protection clothing and sunscreen preparations used were analyzed during semi-structured face to face interviews conducted in the outreach clinics.
Results: A total of 73 participants living with albinism were studied. The mean age of the participants was 24.1years± 11.3 years. The predominant activity type was out-door occurring in 62(84.9%) of the population observed. Participants with albinism in this study were exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. They all reported being unable to avoid sun-peak hours. Sunscreens were used in 15 (20.5%) albinos studied while sun-protection clothings were worn in 13(17.8%) respondents. Sunscreens were used more in those who engaged principally in out-door activities. This was observed in 10(13.7%) clients studied (p=0.04).
Conclusion: People leaving with albinism who attended UBTH outreach skin clinic had insufficient sun protection strategies.
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