Deafening silence of Friedreich's ataxia in Lebanon: health belief model approach

Abstract

This research aims to gain understanding of the health behavior of individuals affected with a genetic disease, Friedreich Ataxia in Lebanon and comprehend the consequences of the lack of awareness and circulation of information about FA on those individuals in comparison with international communication efforts through the Health Belief Model theory. The research method used throughout this thesis is qualitative and interviews with sixteen Lebanese participants afflicted with FA aged between 11 to 49 years old were conducted relying on an interview guide that tested seven constructs of the HBM. The results eventually answered the research questions. This study concludes with limitations that were faced by the researcher, as well as the research being a contribution to knowledge and an opening to further research on FA among Lebanese patients.