Traditional eye medicine use in microbial keratitis in Uganda: a mixed methods study

Simon Arunga,Eunice Apio Olet,David Macleod,Bosco Ayebazibwe,Astrid Leck,Matthew J Burton,Robert Newton,John Onyango,Victor H Hu,Allen Asiimwe,Grace Kagoro-Rugunda,Janet Seeley

doi:10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15259.1

Abstract

Background: Traditional eye medicine (TEM) is frequently used to treat microbial keratitis (MK) in many parts of Africa. Few reports have suggested that this is associated with a worse outcome. We undertook this large prospective study to determine how TEM use impacts presentation and outcome of MK and to explore reasons why people use TEM for treatment in Uganda. Methods: In a mixed method prospective cohort study, we enrolled patients presenting with MK at the two main eye units in Southern Uganda between December 2016 and March 2018 and collected information on history, TEM use, microbiology and 3-month outcomes. We conducted qualitative interviews with patients, carers traditional healers on reasons why people use TEM. Outcome measures included presenting vision and at 3-months, comparing TEM Users versus Non-Users. A thematic coding framework was deployed to explore reasons for use of TEM. Results: 188 out of 313 participants reported TEM use. TEM Users had a delayed presentation; median presenting time 18 days versus 14 days, p= 0.005; had larger ulcers 5.6 mm versus 4.3 mm p=0.0005; a worse presenting visual acuity median logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Log MAR) 1.5 versus 0.6, p=0.005; and, a worse visual acuity at 3 months median Log MAR 0.6 versus 0.2, p=0.010. In a multivariable logistic regression model, distance from the eye hospital and delayed presentation were associated with TEM use. Reasons for TEM use included lack of confidence in conventional medicine, health system breakdown, poverty, fear of the eye hospital, cultural belief in TEM, influence from traditional healers, personal circumstances and ignorance. Conclusion: TEM users had poorer clinical presentation and outcomes. Capacity building of the primary health centres to improve access to eye care and community behavioural change initiatives against TEM use should be encouraged.

Highlights

Microbial keratitis (MK) frequently leads to sight-loss from dense corneal scarring, or even loss of the eye, especially when the infection is severe and/or appropriate treatment is delayed[1]
There were some differences between Traditional eye medicine (TEM) Users and Non-Users
There was evidence that the condition of TEM Users was worse than TEM Non-Users at presentation

Summary

Introduction

Microbial keratitis (MK) frequently leads to sight-loss from dense corneal scarring, or even loss of the eye, especially when the infection is severe and/or appropriate treatment is delayed[1]. MK has been described as a “silent epidemic”, which leads to substantial morbidity, related to blindness and other consequences such as pain and stigma[2]. In the few reported studies, TEM has been found to lead to complications such as corneal scarring and delayed presentation of patients to hospital resulting in poor outcomes[7,8]. Few reports have suggested that this is associated with a worse outcome We undertook this large prospective study to determine how TEM use impacts presentation and outcome of MK and to explore reasons why people use TEM for treatment in Uganda.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion