Assessing Cataract Awareness and Public Health Implications in Amuwo-Odofin and Alimosho Local Government Areas of Lagos State: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cataracts are the second leading cause of visual impairment and the first of blindness globally. Despite its high prevalence and impact, there is a dearth of studies on the awareness of cataracts and its public health impact in Nigeria. The study aimed to assess the awareness of cataracts and their public health implications in the Amuwo-odofin and Alimosho Local government areas of Lagos State. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered structured questionnaire to collate data from General Hospital and Ikotun Market in Alimosho Local Government Area as well as the Nigeria Navy Reference Hospital in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos state. Results: The study had 162 participants, mostly between 40 and 49 (49.4%). The majority of the participants were females (53.3%). Nearly half (48.8%), of the study participants have tertiary education. In this study, 64.7% of participants have heard about cataracts at some point and 52.2% are aware that cataracts involve the cloudy vision of the eyes. Conclusion: Cataract remains the primary cause of treatable blindness highlighting the need for awareness through public health campaigns. While the majority of the participants have good knowledge about cataracts, a knowledge gap regarding cataract risk factors and prevention was identified. Therefore, public health campaigns are necessary to address these knowledge gaps.