Choice of Eye Care Giver in A Rural Community of Ebonyi State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria was formulating a primary eye care plan for Igbeagu Development Centre as part of the comprehensive primary health care plan for the development centre. Objectives: To assess the choice of eye care giver by the people of Nchokko in Igbeagu development centre in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methodology: This is a total population study. Respondents were visited in their households and interviewed using the interviewer- administered questionnaire design. Results: There were 402 respondents of which 269 (68.9%) reported ever having eye symptoms. The common eye complaints were: red eye 135 (50.2 %), eye trauma 56 (20.8%), reduced vision 56 (20.8%), itching 5 (1.9%) and others 17 (6.3%). Majority (183 or 68.0%) practiced self-medication, 84 (31.2%) visited eye clinics while 2 (0.7%) did nothing. Respondents used eye drops 71.5% and ‘capsule powder’ 8.2%, from patent medicine shops; and also sugar water (8.2%), urine (3.3%), Breast milk (2.2), ‘Holy water’ (1.1%) and unspecified other (8.2%). Some of the respondents 98 (24.4%) used spectacles, of which only 24.5% were prescribed. The rest (75.5%) were procured without prescription. Conclusion: The residents in Nchokko community were found to resort to self medication more than orthodox eye care services. Higher educational level and male gender influenced choice of orthodox eye care. Recommendation: It is recommended that health education campaigns be carried out in this community with a view to discouraging self medication and increasing the utilisation of the available orthodox eye care services.