EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT SERVICES ON DEPRESSION REDUCTION OF PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM IN RWANDAA CASE OF HEALTH ALERTS ORGANIZATION
Authors:   Department, Social Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Rwanda., Uwamahoro Yvonne , Nkechi Irechukwu Eugenie ,   Department, Business Administration, Mount Kigali University.
Published: June 2024

Background: Individuals living with albinism face unique challenges, including living situation, socioeconomic status, and the effectiveness of the health education on their mental well-being. Creating focused interventions and support networks for this susceptible group requires an understanding of how these variables interact and how depression is affected by them. The goal of this research is to better understand the intricate interaction between these factors and how it affects the mental health of albinos in Rwanda. Three main goals served as the foundation for this investigation: finding out how common depression is among Rwandans who have albinism. to identify risk factors for depression in Rwandan individuals who are albinos. Also to look at how well health education programmes work in Rwanda to raise awareness of depression among those who are albinos. This research was guide by Disability Model, Eriksons Psychology Development Theories. Materials and Methods: Using a quantitative cross-sectional design and independent variables including gender, age, religion, place of residence, socioeconomic category, parental situation (living with parents or as orphans), and health risk factors like suicidal ideation, the mixed methods study evaluated the prevalence and factors linked to depression among individuals living with albinism in Rwanda starting in September 2023. Additionally, individual interviews were used to gather qualitative data in order to assess the efficacy of health education programmes aimed at reducing depression in the study population. In order to determine the components linked to depression, quantitative studies were conducted using logistic regression models. In the research with 75 participants, all individuals were considered as respondents using census sampling technique and these were the people living with albinism beneficiaries of the Health Alerts Organization, a Rwandan non-profit organization. Results: Most were young, female, and faced various life challenges. A significant majority experienced depression (69.33%), with occupation, literacy, socio-economic category, and facing challenges showing associations in bivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that being in socio-economic category III was protective against depression (OR 0.11) while facing challenges substantially increased the odds (OR 48.15). Our study reveals a high prevalence of depression among individuals, particularly those dealing with life challenges. Occupation, literacy, socio-economic status, and challenges were linked to depression in our analysis. Socio-economic category III seemed protective, while challenges significantly increased risk. These findings emphasize the necessity for tailored interventions and support for mental health disparities, especially among vulnerable populations facing adversity. This study holds a significant importance for associations supporting individuals with albinism, providing insights into their mental health issues and specific support needs. Counselors benefit from a clearer understanding of the psychological challenges faced by this group. Conclusion: The findings can aid the Ministry of Health in planning and potential legislation to address mental health concerns among individuals with albinism, while the Ministry of Local Government can use them to develop a national social protection policy and enhance public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with albinism.The recommendations derived from the study findings and conclusions are directed towards various stakeholders, each aiming at improving the mental health and overall well-being of people with albinism in Rwanda.