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 level of awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of strabismus among youth and women of child-bearing age in southwestern Nigeria. Methodology Fifteen Focus Group Discussions were carried out in Ogun State Nigeria on awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of people toward strabismus. A thematic phenomenological approach was used for the analysis. Results A total of 139 people participated in the Focus Group Discussions, with a male:female ratio of 1:∼4. Although there was a fairly high level of awareness of strabismus in the populace, their attitudes and perceptions of the disease were poor, based on unfounded fears and misconceptions of the disease. Conclusions We conclude that the negative perception and acceptance of people with strabismus by the people in southwestern Nigeria is based on poor knowledge of the disease. As a result, the stigma attached to the condition appears to interfere with accessing health-care services for treatment.