No abstract

A qualitative study conducted in the northern regions surrounding Lake Victoria in Tanzania, reveals that, People with Albinism (PWA) have been harshly treated for long. Mothers were required to terminate lives of their abnormally born infants (like albino infants). Besides lifelong challenges due to albinism condition, people searched for their body parts even after "being hidden" in unmarked graves after their deaths. Beliefs fuelling such ill-treatment on PWA are deep rooted and intertwined among peoples' mind under influence of cultural beliefs existing for several decades. Proper approach should be designed for permanent solution of the long existed inhumane practices against People with Albinism. 330According to Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network (2016), murders of People with Albinism (PWA) is part of a larger global problem where violence is perpetuated due to beliefs in witchcraft, juju, muti or spirit possession. It is almost always that, the most vulnerable groups are children, women, the elderly and disabled who are the most targeted. The Guardians (2019), elaborate that, myths and misperceptions surrounding albinism in Tanzania are too numerous to count. This paper presents tales from informants on beliefs and practices related to people with albinism in the study regions. MethodologyThis study aimed at exploring and understanding more on beliefs and practices related to people with albinism. Due to sensitivity of the study, qualitative methods were used in data collection. Interviews with key informants were conducted. This study was in search of in-depth knowledge and experiences on a sensitive issue. The methods enabled the study to learn a lot from interviewees concerning their views and knowledge on albinism.Key informants interviews aimed at creating comfortable environment for them to talk openly and freely than if they had been in a group due to sensitivity of the issue studied. Selection of key informants for interviews depended on the quality of respondents selected. Collected data were interpreted and organized into themes considering words, meanings, and messages that were communicated. Tales on Practices and Beliefs Related to PWAFrom interviews conducted, below are narrated issues concerning the fate of People with Albinism. Uncelebrated births of Children with AlbinismAccording to Van Beek (2002), birth is both a biological experience and a cultural construct. It is the event through which societies do celebrate the rebirth of their future. However, births of children with albinism were unwelcomed in most African culture (Barnes, 1985). , elaborate that;-Babies born with the inherited condition (albinism), resulting in reduced melanin pigment in their hair, skin and eyes, are vulnerable in multiple ways in Africa: as children, as visually impaired, as socially ostracised, isolated and excluded, and as potential victims of witchcraft-related violence targeted for their body parts for use in 'lucky' charms thought to bring good fortune.Children born with abnormality were see...

This study intended to explore parents' feelings and beliefs on issues related to sex education and establish whether parents are ready to discuss with their children or willing to allow sex related information reach their children as a means of reducing the risks of HIV infections. Data collection from 210 respondents (150 youths and 60 parents) used a cross-sectional research design approach. Students were from three community secondary schools, six primary schools. Youths out of schools and parents (adult community members) were from villages in which schools involved in this study are. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square were used to test the statistical significance of categorical data. The result reveals that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people aimed at combating the spread of HIV and AIDS. Other sources (arranged in the order of importance) were open air campaigns, politicians, other adults, the media and teachers. The most popular message in sex education was abstinence. Other types of sex education messages (arranged from the most common to the least common) include abiding by ABC strategy, use of condoms and delaying sex debut. Parents have positive attitudes towards sex education given to their children as part of HIV and AIDS prevention. The result reveals that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people. Parents have good knowledge of HIV and AIDS. However, among young people the level of awareness decrease with age. Attitudes of religious leaders and male parents about HIV and AIDS should be readdressed. Serious steps should be taken to raise the level of HIV awareness among younger people.

This study investigated the association between Parents' education levels and beliefs towards HIV/AIDS and People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Data was collected using a set of questionnaire. Five points Likert was used to measure parents' attitudes and beliefs towards HIV/AIDS and PLWHA. Findings from this study show that age, sex, religion, and occupations had no significant influence on beliefs but differences in education level exerted difference in beliefs of respondents towards HIV and AIDS and PLWHA (p = 0.010). Misconceptions and negative beliefs towards HIV/AIDS and PLWHA among parents with no formal education should be fought.

This study investigated the association between Parents' education levels and beliefs towards HIV/AIDS and People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Data was collected using a set of questionnaire. Five points Likert was used to measure parents' attitudes and beliefs towards HIV/AIDS and PLWHA. Findings from this study show that age, sex, religion, and occupations had no significant influence on beliefs but differences in education level exerted difference in beliefs of respondents towards HIV and AIDS and PLWHA (p = 0.010