Purpose:To describe the factors that determine the utilization of eye care services in a rural community in South-Western Nigeria.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a multistage sampling technique was conducted. The main outcome measure was self-reported previous consultation of an orthodox medical facility for eye care.Results:The study sample included 643 participants. Only 122 (19%) respondents had previously visited orthodox facilities in search of eye care and 24% of those with presenting visual acuity <6/18 had sought eye care. Characteristics associated with previous utilization of eye care services were age of =70 years (odds ratio [OR] ≥ 1.7, P = 0.02); male gender (OR = 1.5, P = 0.04); literacy (OR = 1.7, P = 0.007); and residing close to an eye care facility (OR = 2.8, P < 0.001). Blind respondents were three times more likely to seek eye care (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that factors associated with increased likelihood of utilization of eye care services included age ≥70 years; literacy; residence close to an eye facility; being diabetic or hypertensive; history of ocular symptoms, and blindness.Conclusions:These findings suggest that a significant proportion (75%) of adults in the study area are not utilizing eye care services and that blindness is an important determinant of utilization of eye care services. Health education and awareness campaigns about the importance and benefits of seeking eye care early, and the provision of community-based eye care programs are essential to boost the uptake of eye care services in this community as well as other rural areas of West Africa.

SUMMARY

Background: High rate of motor vehicle accidents have been associated with poor vision. Studies on drivers from elsewhere other than health institutions have found abnormal visual acuities. The aim of this study is to determine prevalence of refractive errors and the attitude to spectacle wear among drivers of public institutions studied. Methods: A cross sectional population study of all 99 motor vehicle drivers from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan between December 2003 and January 2004. Results: The ninety-nine motor vehicle drivers in the study comprised of 67 (67.7%) from the College of Medicine, and 32 (32.3%) from the UCH. All were males, aged 38 to 60 years, mean 50.1 + (SD= 4.8 years). Proportion of drivers with refractive errors was 16.7% (95% CI, 16.6-16.8) but only 56.3% of these wear glasses while driving (others did not including 3 out 4 who were bilaterally visually impaired without glasses). Relative frequency of RTA among drivers was 16.2%, the risk was marginally higher among drivers with refractive error (OR 1.2, 95% CI: 0.4-3.7). The commonest refractive error was simple hypermetropia present in 15 eyes. Hypermetropia was associated with increasing age of drivers (p<0.05). Majority (97.7%) of the drivers were presbyopic but only 32 (32.3%) were current wearers of spectacles. Conclusion:Refractive errors were present in 16.7% of drivers studied. But 43.8% of these (3 out 4 of whom were bilaterally visually impaired without glasses) do not wear corrective lenses while driving. There is need for periodic visual screening exercise and eye health education on drivers.Key words: Hypermetropia, astigmatism, drivers, refractive error Résumé Introduction: Taux élevé des accidents de la circulation routière est associé à une mauvaise vision. Des études sur les chauffeurs ailleurs en déhors des centres hospitaliers ont indiqué des acuités visuelles anormales. L'objet de cette étude est de décider la fréquence d'erreurs de réfraction et le comportement par rapport à l'utilisation des lunettes parmi des chauffeurs dans des institutions publiques. Résultats: Quatre-vingt dix-neuf chauffeurs des vehicles dans cette étude à savoir, 67 soit 67,7% de Collège de la médicine, et 32 soit 32,3% de CHU. Tous étaient du sexe masculin , âgés de 38 au 60 ans, moyen 50,1 +-(SD = 4,8 ans) La proportion des chauffeurs avec erreurs de réfraction était 16,7% soit 95% cl, 16,6 -16,8) mais seulement 56,3% de ceux qui portent des lunettes pendant qu'il conduissent (les autres ne le fait pas y compris 3 sur 4 qui sont bilatéralement des personnes qui ont des problèmes de vue sans des lunettes) fréquence rélative de ACR parmi des chauffeurs était 16,2%. Le danger est presque plus élevé parmi des chauffeurs avec des erreurs de réfraction (OR 1,2,95% cl ; 0,7). L'erreur de réfraction le plus ordinaire était tout simplement l'hypermétropie qui est present dans 15 yeux. L'ypermétropie était associeé à l'augmentation de l'âge des chauffeurs (P <0,05) La majorité soit ...

A close relationship exists between ocular irritation symptoms, surface abnormalities and functional evidence of tear instability. Such patients should be treated empirically or screened for dry eyes.