Ocular conditions among singed–hide butchers at The Kumasi abattoir

Abstract

This study attempted to determine the prevalent eye conditions among singed-hide butchers at the Kumasi abattoir (slaughterhouse) in Ghana. A cross-sectional study comprising 80 conveniently chosen singed-hide butchers at the abattoir was conducted. History taken from participants included participants’ demographics and ocular and occupational history. Ocular examination included ophthalmoscopy and visual acuity. Diagnoses were made on the presence of a condition(s) in either or both eyes. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to analyze data collected. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact testwere employed. The overall prevalence of ocular morbidities was 63.8% among the respondents.Ocular itchiness (77.5%) was the most widely reported symptom followed by teary eyes (70.0%). All respondents suffered from one or more oculo-visual symptoms. The commonest ocular diseases were pinguecula (38.8%), followed by pterygium (20.0%), conjunctivitis (2.5%) and cataract (2.5%). It was observed that singed-hide butchers at the Kumasi abattoir were at high risk of developing eye diseases attributable to the working environment.