Reactions to and explanations for the birth of a baby with albinism: a qualitative study in Busoga, Uganda.

Objectives: Babies born with the genetic condition albinism lack pigment in their hair, skin and eyes due to compromised melanin production. This leads to poor vision and the risk of early death due to skin cancer. In Uganda, one of the least developed countries in the world, their lack of pigmentation makes them very different in appearance within their communities.

Beliefs about people with albinism in Uganda: A qualitative study using the Common-Sense Model.

Albinism includes a group of inherited conditions that result in reduced melanin production. It has been documented across the world, with a high frequency in sub-Saharan Africa. There is very little published research about the lives of people with albinism, but available evidence shows that myths abound regarding their condition.