Assessment of Primary Eye Care Knowledge and Practice in a Developing Country: A Survey among Community Primary Health Workers in Calabar, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Primary eye care (PEC) is a vital component of primary health care and is the cornerstone for the progress toward universal eye health coverage. To achieve an adequate delivery of PEC services in Nigeria, it should be inclusive, equitable, cost-effective, and people centered. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and practice of PEC among community primary health workers in Calabar metropolis. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Calabar metropolis. A total of 109 randomly selected community health workers at primary health centres located in two local government areas (Calabar Municipality and Calabar South) were assessed on their knowledge of common ocular diseases and the practice of eye health in their facilities using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: One hundred and nine primary health workers participated in the study. Most participants were females 100 (92%). The mean age was 38 ± 8.26 years. More than half (59%) had been working as community health workers for more than five years and 64% stated they had no professional training on management of ophthalmic conditions. One-third of the participants had Snellen’s visual acuity chart in their facility and 46 (42%) could use it properly to assess vision. Less than one-third 23 (21%) could correctly identify the five common eye conditions presented in a picture chart – conjunctivitis, cataract, corneal opacity, strabismus and pterygium. About 102 (94%) of the participants at the primary health centres had no access to standard operating procedures for managing eye diseases. Conclusion: Our study showed that the majority of the community primary health workers require continuous medical educational training on ophthalmic diseases and the provision of standard operating procedures to guide in the identification and prompt referral of eye diseases.