AVAILABILITY KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS BY PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM IN DAR ES SALAAM REGION - TANZANIA

Abstract

Albinism is a congenital disorder causing hypo pigmentation of the hair, skin and eyes due to lack of melanin. People with albinism (PWA) are affected by sunlight and may develop blisters, premature skin aging and skin cancer which occur in sunexposed parts of the body such as the face, neck and shoulders. Use of sunscreen products can be protective to the skin in combination with the use of hats, and protective clothing. In Tanzania the availability of sunscreen products and frequency of use among people with PWA is not well documented. The aim of this study was to assess availability and use of sunscreen products among people with albinism in Dar es Salaam region. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study whereby a simulated client method was used to obtain information from pharmacies while a semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview PWA. This study showed that, sunscreen products were available in 24% of the visited pharmacies. Majority of these sunscreen products (88%) had a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or more. 71.9% of the interviewed albino participants were not using sunscreen at the time of interview. About 58% of the respondents apply the sunscreens when going outside. About 3.5% of the respondents used traditional medicine. In conclusion sunscreen products are available on the Tanzanian market but they are not affordable by most PWA. People with albinism did not know the proper timing and how much sunscreen product to apply on the skin. Education on the proper use of sunscreen is required.