Living with albinism in an African community : Exploring the challenges of persons with albinism in Lilongwe District, Malawi

Abstract: Background: Albinism is a genetic condition caused by a deficit in the production of the pigment called melanin, which protects the skin against ultraviolet light and provides the skin with its color production. The condition may predispose persons with albinism (PWAs) to lifelong physical and health problems, such as visual impairment and ultra-violet induced skin damage. Due to this condition, we explored the challenges faced by persons living with albinism as they socialize in Lilongwe District, Malawi. Method: The study adopted an interpretative phenomenological approach and included 30 participants comprising 13 females and 14 males with albinism and three key informants from Association of People with Albinism in the Lilongwe district in Malawi. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Van Manen's (2014) six steps of phenomenological analysis was used to analyze all data. Results: People with albinism face a variety of problems, the most common of which are financial constraints, health complications due to a lack of adequate medical care, a lack of community support leading to stigma and discrimination, and superstitious beliefs. Conclusions: People with albinism suffer socially as a result of misconceptions, behaviours, social isolation, labelling, and beliefs that are negatively correlated with their disorder. PWAs face these problems as a result of public misunderstanding about albinism

Coping Strategies Adopted by Migrant Female Head-load Carriers Who Experienced IPV

The physical, sexual and reproductive, and mental health complications posed by Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) raise problems that must be addressed by victims. This study presents qualitative data on the coping strategies employed by 20 head-load carriers (females who carry loads in a saucepan on the head for a fee) who were survivors of IPV. The findings indicate that the head-load carriers adopted strategies such as apologizing or fighting back (interpersonal coping); remaining silent (intrapersonal coping); seeking support from family, friends, or institutions (socio-personal coping); engaging in prayer and hope; and leaving the relationship. Future research and policy implications are also discussed

Impact of socio-demographic and economic factors on intimate partner violence justification among women in union in Papua New Guinea

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Association between experiences of intimate partner sexual violence and cigarette smoking among women in union in Papua New Guinea : evidence from a nationally representative survey

Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the women who participated in the Papua New Guinea 2016‐ 2018 Demographic and Health Survey. Funding The current research received no specific grant from any funding agency, commercial or not‐for‐profit source. No other entity besides the authors had a role in the design, analysis or writing of the current article.Peer reviewedPublisher PD