Biological Relatives: Forgotten Caregivers
In: Journal of health & social policy, Volume 22, Issue 3-4, p. 121-136
ISSN: 1540-4064
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In: Journal of health & social policy, Volume 22, Issue 3-4, p. 121-136
ISSN: 1540-4064
In: Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities: an official journal of the Cobb-NMA Health Institute, Volume 10, Issue 2, p. 797-804
ISSN: 2196-8837
In: Journal of black studies, Volume 43, Issue 7, p. 787-805
ISSN: 1552-4566
The practice of skin bleaching, or chemically lightening the skin, has become more common worldwide in the past 30 years. In Africa, the practice is especially problematic, because caustic ingredients are combined with bleaching products, increasing the risk for health problems, such as irreversible skin damage, cancers, and liver or kidney failure. Despite these risks, skin bleaching remains prevalent, with rates nearing 30% in East Africa. The few interventions implemented to prevent skin bleaching show marginal success in decreasing these numbers. This study takes steps to identify the most effective means of prevention for a Tanzanian community where skin bleaching practices are prevalent. A team of 20 Tanzanians worked toward this goal using participatory research techniques. Results yielded components for the structure of an ideal intervention program, including (a) didactic education, (b) governmental action, and (c) educational media. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.