Examining the Psychological and Psychosocial Impact on Mathematics Learners with Albinism in Selected Schools of the Oshana Region, Northern Namibia: A Phenomenological Inquiry
This
qualitative study was conducted to delve into the psychological and
psychosocial ramifications experienced by mathematics learners living with
albinism in selected schools of the Oshana Region, Northern
Namibia. Through semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews, data were
gathered from a cohort of twelve mathematics learners with albinism in selected
schools in Oshana region, selected using the snowball sampling technique. The
collected data underwent thematic analysis to unearth prevalent patterns and
themes.Aligned with the
interpretivist research philosophy, this study aimed to grasp and interpret the
personal experiences and significance attributed by Mathematics learners with
albinism to their day-to-day encounters. The findings illuminated a range of
subthemes situated within two overarching themes: “Psychological Effects of
Albinism in Educational Contexts” and “Psychosocial Effects of Albinism in
Educational Contexts.” Among these subthemes were facets like “Body Image and
Self-Perception,” “Anxiety and Depression,” “Educational and Career Hurdles,” “Stigmatization
and Bias,” “Social Bonds and Family Dynamics,” and “Intersectionality and Marginalization.”
These subthemes provided insights into the distinctive psychological and
psychosocial hurdles encountered by Mathematics learners with albinism,
furnishing a deeper comprehension of their lived experiences. This study
underscores the significance of acknowledging and addressing these effects to
foster the well-being and inclusiveness of mathematics learners with albinism
in the educational landscape of the Oshana Region, Northern Namibia.
References
[1]
Agyei, M. N., Boamah, M. J., Asamoah, A. K., & Donkor, F. (2020). Socio-Cultural Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Persons with Albinism in Ghana. African Journal of Disability, 9, 1-9.
[2]
Cullen, S., Harper, M., & Whitestone, R. (2019). Understanding Albinism: Insights into Genetic Mechanisms and Phenotypic Expression. Journal of Genetic Disorders, 44, 112-129.
[3]
Ferguson, S., & Taylor, J. (2019). “Nobody Wants to See a Half-Blind Person”: Understanding the Psychosocial Well-Being of People Living with Albinism in Tanzania. Stigma and Health, 4, 103-112.
[4]
Ingstad, B., & Whyte, S. R. (2018). Disability and Culture: An Overview. In B. Ingstad & S. R. Whyte (Eds.), Disability in Local and Global Worlds (pp. 3-36). Routledge.
[5]
Kromberg, J. G., Manga, P., & Jenkins, T. (2019). Psychosocial Issues Experienced by People with Albinism in Africa: An Annotated Bibliography. Journal of Community Genetics, 10, 483-496.
[6]
National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation. (2019). What Is Albinism?
[7]
Nordbo, R. H. S., & van der Sterre, G. W. (2019). Albinism and Living with a Visual Impairment: A Systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41, 809-824.
[8]
Pilling, S., Clarke, K., Parker, G., James, K., Landau, S., Weaver, T., et al. (2021). Open Dialogue Compared to Treatment as Usual for Adults Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis: Protocol for the ODDESSI Multi-Site Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 113, Article ID: 106664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2021.106664
[9]
Sammers, L. (2018). Genetic Variants and Phenotypic Diversity: A Comprehensive Study on Albinism. Journal of Genetic Research, 36, 215-231.
[10]
Sum, R., Rutaraka, P. Y., Kaishozi, E., & Kaishozi, Z. (2021). Psychosocial Challenges of Children with Albinism in Tanzanian Primary Schools. Frontiers in Education, 2, 34-56
[11]
Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An Integrative Theory of Intergroup Conflict. In W. G. Austin, & S. Worchel (Eds.), The Social Psychology of Intergroup Relations (pp. 33-47). Brooks/Cole.
[12]
Taylor, J., & Ferguson, S. (2020). “No one Else Is like Me”: The Psychosocial Experiences of Children and Young People with Albinism in South Africa. Journal of Disability & Religion, 24, 132-152.
[13]
World Health Organization (2020). Report on the Survey of National Capacities in Addressing Health Issues Related to Genetic Disorders and Birth Defects in the African Region.
