title: Osteogenesis imperfecta type III in South Africa: Psychosocial challenges.
abstract: Individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta type III (OI III) are severely physically disabled due to frequent fracturing. Their disability poses numerous barriers that challenge their social development. Despite these limitations, several affected persons are able to rise above these problems and achieve success in their personal and professional life. This outcome is directly relevant to their psychosocial development.The achievements of five individuals with OI III living in Cape Town are highlighted in this article, as well as the challenges that they have experienced and continue to experience in their daily lives. The authors intend to promulgate understanding of the psychosocial circumstances of affected persons, thereby facilitating the deployment of appropriate efforts and resources to address these challenges.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town; and University of Cape Town/University of the Western Cape Dental Genetic Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. publishing@hmpg.co.za.
authors.forename: L X G
authors.initials: LX
authors.lastname: Stephen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van Hayden
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chetty
mesh_terms: D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology