Reducing albinism related stigma in Tanzania: an exploration of the impact of radio drama and radio interview

Abstract

Reducing stigma is key to improving the wellbeing of people with albinism in Tanzania. This study aimed to obtain more insight into the effects of two radio interventions with regard to albinism-related stigma: a radio drama and a radio interview. Assessment of the radio interventions was based on two attitude measurement instruments (The Albinism Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue Community Stigma Scale and the Albinism Social Distance Scale), an entertainment scale, and two informal (group) interviews. In total, 111 community members participated in the assessment prior to the radio drama, and 65 after. In the case of the radio interview, 123 community members participated in the assessment prior to the radio show, and 77 after. Following the radio drama, a significant reduction was found in terms of community stigma, and a reduction in social distance was found after both interventions. The entertainment score for both interventions was high, but significantly higher for the radio drama. The respondents indicated that they had gained more understanding of albinism as a result of the interventions, and were positive about this type of education. The current study shows that a radio show in which the listener interacts with someone with albinism can contribute to a reduction in stigma, and demonstrates that different types of radio intervention can have different outcomes. Points of interest Reducing discrimination is key to improving the wellbeing of people with albinism in Tanzania. This research investigated the use of radio shows to change attitudes towards people with albinism within the community; two types of radio show were tested: a radio drama and a radio interview. Through the shows the respondents got into contact with someone with albinism. The shows were valued by the community members as an attractive means of education. The shows proved to be effective in terms of improving peoples’ knowledge about, and attitude towards people with albinism. People enjoyed the radio drama more than the radio interview. The radio drama was also more effective than the radio interview in improving peoples’ attitudes towards people with albinism. This research offers recommendations for organisations that are working to raise awareness with regard to albinism.