Factors Associated with Negative Attitudes towards Albinism in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Albinism is a genetic condition that leads to a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun. This condition affects people worldwide, regardless of gender or ethnicity. With the highest prevalence of Albinism in the world, Nigerians with Albinism are plagued with various vices inflicted as a result of wrong perceptions and other factors. Aim: This study aimed to highlight the factors associated with negative attitudes towards albinism in Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional study conducted in Oredo LGA, in Benin City, Nigeria. The study sample comprised of 260 participants through structured questionnaires. The study adopted a multistage sampling was employed to select the quarters and streets from the Oredo LGA, in Benin City, Edo State. Also a content validity was conducted on the questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted among 30 individuals in Delta State with a Cronch-bach alpha of 0.85, showing that the questionnaire is reliable. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical review board of the Edo State Ministry of Health. The data were analysed using the SPSS Version 26. Results: The study revealed that majority of the participants have good knowledge (93.1%) and 56.2% had a positive attitude towards Albinism and Persons Living with Albinism [PWAs], Age, religion and level of education was observed to have a significant effect on the attitude of the participants towards PWA’s (P-value= 0.049, 0.004, 0.041), while the tribe and occupation of the participants had no significant effect on their attitudes towards PWA’s (P-value=0.178, 0.357). Conclusion: The study revealed that the attitudes towards albinism among people in Benin City, Nigeria was marginally positive. The study shows that awareness is highly associated with the religious affiliation of respondents. The relationships between education, attitudes and awareness confirm the liberalizing effect of education on attitudes and general awareness of community-related issues.