WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Dr. Nkiru N. Kizor-Akaraiwe*, Dr. Ngozi Oguego, Dr. Obinna Shiweobi, Dr. Nkechi Uche, Dr. Edak Ezeanosike, Dr. Chinyelu N. Ezisi, Dr. Obiajulu Echedom, Dr. Cosmas Anajekwu, Dr. Chukwu Oko, Dr. Alphonsus Okoh

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine the pattern of utilization of eye care services as well as identify the determinants and challenges associated with utilization of eye care services amongst staff members of a Nigerian University. Methods: A cross sectional survey of consecutive staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria who took part in a 10-day free eye screening held in 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from consenting participants on demographics, attitude and practice towards eye care services as well as reasons for non-utilization of eyecare. Primary outcome variables were practice of eye checks in a lifetime and within the preceding one year while secondary outcome variables were predictors and challenges associated with doing eye checks. Regression analysis was carried out to identify possible predictors of having eye checks. Results: 955 staff members were included in the study. Mean age was 46.37 9.9years (range 20-79years). Female participants were slightly higher in number than the male 487(51.0%). Of all participants, 538(56.3%) had done an eye check in their lifetime, of which 35.9% were done beyond 5years prior to the free screening. Sex (OR:1.76, 95%C1-1.22-2.55, P=0.003), highest educational qualification (OR:1.29, 95%C1:1.2-164, p=0.034) and visual acuity in the better eye (OR:1.54, 95%CI:1.14-2.07, p=0.005) were significant predictors of an eye check within the preceding one year and in one’s lifetime. Age and a positive attitude towards eye check were additional predictors for the latter. Cost was the leading challenge for non-utilization of eye checks (31.4%). Other reasons were absence of eye symptoms (22.7%), busy schedules (21.6%), non-availability of a good eye care center in the town (18.4%) and no perceived need for eye checks (5.9%). Conclusions: The utilization of eyecare in this university community is not optimal with only about half the study participants having done an eye check in their lifetime. Subsidizing cost, providing eye care services within the university environment and improving eye health education, may improve utilization of eye care among this study population.

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