Eye Care Service Utilization among Health Workers in Mercy Hospital, Abak
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2017, Vol 23, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: The assessment of the level of and barriers to utilization of eye care services is paramount in combating visual impairment and blindness which are major health problems worldwide. Objectives: To determine the level of utilization and barriers to utilization of eye care services among health workers at a mission hospital in a rural community in southern Nigeria. Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study. Ethical approval was obtained and 82 consecutive consenting health workers were selected. Data were obtained using a pre tested structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was made up of two sections, A and B. Section A was used to collect the demographic data of the participants while section B was used to collect data on utilization and barriers to utilization of eye care services. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Of the 82 health workers interviewed, 29(35.4%) were males and 53(64.6%) females. The age range was from 20 to 75 years and the mean age was 35.6 years. Of the 27 (32.9%) that have had eye disorders in the past, only 12 (14.6%) consulted an Ophthalmologist, 8 (9.8%) consulted an Optometrist, 2 (2.4%) used traditional eye medication while 5 (6.1%) sought no treatment at all. Regarding the utilization of eye care services, only 28 (34.1%) has ever consulted the hospital Ophthalmologist for routine eye check. Barriers to utilization of eye care services noted were absence of eye disease, cost and time. The effects of knowledge of eye diseases and education on utilization were statistically significant (p = 0.04 and 0.01 respectively). Duration of service was found not to positively influence utilization of eye care services. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that longer exposure to eye care services does not translate to better utilization of the services. Formal education as well as eye health education will go a long way to improving utilization of eye health services.
Authors and Affiliations
N. E. Chinawa, A. A. Chime
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP312326
- DOI 10.9734/JAMMR/2017/34768
- Views 82
- Downloads 0
Hypertension Prevalence in the US Population Varies with Differences in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Genotype: A Cross Sectional Study
Background: The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) has been studied with indeterminate results. The aim of the study was to prospectively compare the prevalence of HTN...
Peak Bone Mineral Density Levels in Normal Omanis, a Pilot Study
Aims: To determine normal peak bone mineral density (PBMD) values in a cohort of healthy Omanis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the study: in the Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Medicine a...
Combination of Platelet Rich Fibrin with Hydroxyapatite in Treating a Large Periapical lesion-Case Report of Young Patient
The primary goal of any dental treatment is the maintenance of the natural dentition in health and for optimum function, and esthetics. Successful treatment for periapical lesion depends on removal of lesion along with c...
Implant Placement in Fresh Extraction Socket with Simultaneous Bone Regeneration
The aim of this manuscript is to describe a case of immediate implant placement with simultaneous bone regeneration. A brief review of the literature and the biological rationale is also described in the manuscript. Pre...
Microsatellite Instability within the CD30 Gene Promoter Distinguishes between Normal and Neoplastic Cells in Lymphoma
Aims: As differences in promoter activity and CD30 surface expression between CD30+ lymphoid cell-lines and peripheral blood leukocytes have been shown previously to be independent of the size of the CD30 promoter micros...