TITLE:
Factors That Affect Access to Sunscreens: A Study of Persons with Albinism in Moshi Municipal, Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Ebenezer Fabian
KEYWORDS:
Albinism, People with Albinism, Sunscreen, Skin Cancer, Sunburn
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.10,
September
22,
2022
ABSTRACT: People with albinism are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin
cancer because of the reduction or absence of melanin in the body. The aim of
the research was to analyze the factors that affect persons with albinism
access to sunscreens. The study took a form of a cross-sectional design and it
was conducted in Moshi municipality. Simple random sampling was used to select
the population of 101 PWA who belong to Moshi Municipality but only 79 PWA
manage to return questionnaires well enough to be used in the study. This study
collected both primary and secondary data whereas household survey using
self-administered questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive
analysis where frequencies and percentages were calculated and interpreted.
Moreover, multiple regression analysis was applied to analyze the factors affecting
PWA access to sunscreens. The study revealed that PWA are aware of sunscreen
and they are knowledgeable about the methods used to protect skin from harmful
sunrays. Furthermore, distance was revealed to be one of social factors that
affect persons with albinism access to sunscreen but to those who live beyond
Moshi Municipal. On the other hand income and price significantly affect
persons with albinism on access to sunscreen. The study concluded that people
with albinism are aware of the need to protect themselves from the effects of sunrays
and are knowledgeable about the methods of protection, whereas travel distance,
income and price of sunscreen were the main factors that affect persons with
albinism access to sunscreen. The study recommended that government should provide
sunscreen products for free or lower the price so that sunscreens would be
accessible to persons with albinism. Moreover, it was recommended that
distribution centers should be located near residential areas of persons with
albinism.