Sociodemographic and visual characteristics of individuals with oculocutaneous albinism in Botswana
Background: Understanding the characteristics of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) in African populations is crucial for developing appropriate support strategies. Aim: This study aims to comprehensively analyse the demographic and visual characteristics of individuals with OCA in Botswana, Africa. Se...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2025-01-01
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| Series: | African Vision and Eye Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://avehjournal.org/index.php/aveh/article/view/967 |
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| Summary: | Background: Understanding the characteristics of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) in African populations is crucial for developing appropriate support strategies.
Aim: This study aims to comprehensively analyse the demographic and visual characteristics of individuals with OCA in Botswana, Africa.
Setting: This retrospective study was conducted at a private eye clinic in Botswana, Africa.
Methods: A retrospective data collection approach was employed to gather information from African patients diagnosed with OCA. Information on demographics, socio-economic status, education, occupation, medical history, category of visual impairment, visual characteristics such as contrast and glare sensitivity and central visual field integrity and low vision services received was extracted from medical records and analysed.
Results: The study involved 65 participants, primarily males (40, 61.5%), with a mean (s.d.) age of 29.2 (15.4) years. Most participants belonged to low (35, 53.8%) to middle-income (23, 35.4%) socio-economic groups. African-Tswana ethnicity was the most common among the participants (31, 47.7%). Nearly 80% had a best-corrected visual acuity (in better eye) worse than 6/12. Most participants had poor contrast sensitivity (47, 72.3%) and no defects in the central visual field (63, 96.9%). All participants experienced glare sensitivity (65, 100%).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical need for targeted interventions to address the prevalent visual impairments among individuals with OCA in Botswana, aiming to enhance their quality of life and socio-economic integration.
Contribution: These findings can inform interventions for OCA in Botswana, such as vision rehabilitation programmes, social support initiatives, and genetic counselling services. |
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| ISSN: | 2413-3183 2410-1516 |