A Phenomenological Analysis of Knowledge, Impact and Coping Strategies to Climate Change: Experiences of Persons With Albinism.

BACKGROUND

Persons with albinism (PWA) in Ghana are disproportionately affected by climate change due to a lack of melanin in their skin, which increases their exposure and vulnerability to the effects of climate change. However, research on this group in Ghana remains limited.

PURPOSE: To explore the lived experiences of PWA regarding climate change knowledge, impact and adaptation strategies in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis (STM).

METHODS

Data were collected from 17 PWA in the STM, using a five-item interview guide and analysed through constitutive phenomenological analysis. Recruitment and data collection occurred between 10 June 2021 and 27 August 2023.

RESULTS

We found that PWA in STM possess inadequate knowledge regarding climate change, self-reported eye and skin conditions and utilize insufficient protection and adaptation strategies.

CONCLUSION

Although PWA in STM adopt various strategies to cope with climate change effects, these are insufficient for their full protection. The social welfare department should register these individuals to ensure they benefit from government and NGO support. Future research should adopt quantitative approaches and extend this study nationwide.