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    Publication

    Ocular morbidity and health seeking behaviour in Kwara State, Nigeria: implications for delivery of eye care services

    Journal: PloS one

    Summary

    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. 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. 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. 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.

    Read the journal article

    Related tags

    Nigeria
    Eye health
    Publication details
    Date published
    28 August 2014
    Journal
    PloS one
    Countries
    Nigeria
    Themes/conditions
    Eye health
    Publication details
    Date published
    28 August 2014
    Journal
    PloS one
    Countries
    Nigeria
    Themes/conditions
    Eye health

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