THE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF GIGANTOMASTIA ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF WOMEN IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Background: Gigantomastia is a breast abnormality characterized by massive breast growth that affects women globally. Women with this condition are subjected to social stigma, rejection, and isolation. Studies on this topic have been conducted in Western Countries and West Africa, revealing lack of awareness of the condition despite its social impact on women. This position can be replicated in Kenya because there is no empirical study published on the social effects of gigantomastia.
Problem statement: Despite the social effects gigantomastia has on women, there is a low level of awareness that hinders women from detecting their condition for psycho-social support. There is no study carried out in Kenya to ascertain the social effects of gigantomastia on the mental health of women.
Research objective: To find out the effects of gigantomastia on the social health of women in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Methodology: The research adopted a descriptive research design using qualitative approach. Snowball sampling technique was used to obtain 50 participants from Nairobi County. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide conducted virtually via Zoom. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in themes related to social effects.
Results and findings: The social effects of gigantomastia were: difficulties with social interaction, labelling and social stigmatization, body image and sexualization issues, and social support challenges. Women experienced discrimination, isolation, and strained relationships due to their condition.
Conclusions and recommendations: The study recommends establishment of psycho-social support systems, public awareness campaigns, healthcare worker training, and community-based programs to address social stigma and improve social health outcomes for women with gigantomastia.
Keywords: Gigantomastia, Social Health, Women, Mental Health, Stigma, Social Support, Nairobi County
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