Factors That Affect Access to Sunscreens: A Study of Persons with Albinism in Moshi Municipal, Tanzania

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.