Ocular Morbidity and Health Seeking Behaviour in Kwara State, Nigeria: Implications for Delivery of Eye Care Services
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Date
2014Author
Senyonjo, Laura
Lindfield, Robert
Mahmoud, Abdulraheem
Kimani, Kahaki
Safiya, Sanda
Schmidt, Elena
Language
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background
There is currently limited information as to which conditions are most prevalent in communities in developing countries. This makes effective planning of eye services difficult.
Methods
3,899 eligible individuals were recruited and examined in a cross-sectional survey in Asa Local Government Area, Nigeria. Those who self-reported an ocular morbidity were also asked about their health-seeking behaviour. Health records of local facilities were reviewed to collect information on those presenting with ocular morbidities.
Results
25.2% (95% CI: 22.0–28.6) had an ocular morbidity in at least one eye. Leading causes were presbyopia and conditions affecting the lens and conjunctiva. The odds of having an ocular morbidity increased with age and lower educational attainment. 10.1% (7.7–13.0) self-reported ocular morbidity; 48.6% (40.4–56.8) of them reported seeking treatment. At the facility level, 344 patients presented with an ocular morbidity over one month, the most common conditions were red (26.3%) or itchy (20.8%) eyes.
Conclusion
Ocular morbidities, including many non vision impairing conditions, were prevalent with a quarter of the population affected. The delivery of eye care services needs to be tailored in order to address this need and ensure delivery in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
Citation
Senyonjo, Laura, et al. "Ocular Morbidity and Health Seeking Behaviour in Kwara State, Nigeria: Implications for Delivery of Eye Care Services." PloS one 9.8 (2014): e104128.Publisher
University of Nairobi
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10387]