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Albinism in the South African Negro. III. Genetic counselling issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Jennifer G. R. Kromberg  and
Trefor Jenkins
Jennifer G. R. Kromberg
Affiliation:
MRC Human Ecogenetics Research Unit, Department of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Trefor Jenkins
Affiliation:
MRC Human Ecogenetics Research Unit, Department of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Summary

A sample of 35 South African Negro albinos and a normally pigmented matched control group have been studied for adjustment problems and attitudes towards this inherited condition. The results showed that although the albinos appeared to be as well adjusted as the controls, significantly more of the albino group had adjustment problems of a physical nature indicated by psychosomatic symptoms. Attitudes were found to be reasonably positive. One common local misconception was revealed: that albinos do not die but disappear or ‘vanish away’. There was very little understanding of the cause, mode of inheritance or the problems associated with albinism. It is concluded that relevant genetic counselling should be offered to the Negro albinos to enable them to understand their condition, its implications and the myths which surround it. Because albinism is so common in South Africa the education of the community in this connection is also desirable.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 16 , Issue 1 , January 1984 , pp. 99 - 108
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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