Awareness and Perception of Strabismus Among the Youths and Women of Child-Bearing Age in a Local Government in South Western Nigeria: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Purpose To determine the awareness and perception of strabismus among the youths and women of child-bearing age in Ikenne Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State, South Western Nigeria. Methodology Fifteen focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out in the LGA on the perceptions and attitudes of people to strabismus. Their responses were tape-recorded and later transcribed. A thematic phenomenological approach was used for the analysis. Result A total of 139 people participated in the FGDs, with a male:female ratio of 1:∼4. Although there was a fairly high level of awareness of strabismus in the populace, their knowledge and perception of the disease were poor. Attitudes toward the disease were based on unfounded fears and misconceptions of the disease. Conclusions We conclude that the perception and acceptance of people with strabismus by the people of Ikenne LGA was based on their poor knowledge of the disease. This in turn interfered with the uptake of health-care services for the condition.