Factors affecting guardians’ decision making on clinic-based purchase of children’s spectacles in Nigeria

Abstract

Background This study aims to understand the key factors influencing guardians’ decisions when purchasing spectacles for their children in semi-urban and urban areas of Cross River State, Nigeria, where a spectacle cross-subsidisation scheme will be implemented. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among all consecutive guardians visiting the Calabar (urban), Ugep, Ikom and Ogoja (semi-urban) public eye clinics in Cross River State, southern Nigeria, from August 1 to October 31 2019, and whose children had significant refractive errors (myopia ≤-0.50D, hyperopia ≥1.50D, astigmatism >0.75D) and received spectacles. Guardians were interviewed using a questionnaire which included i) close-ended questions on reasons guardians choose to purchase spectacles for their children in eye clinics, ii) guardians’ perceptions of the quality and design of children’s current spectacle, iii) factors most heavily influencing their choice of spectacles for children, and iv) open-ended questions to seek guardians’ suggestions on how to improve the current spectacle range. Results All 137 eligible guardians (67.2% women [n = 92]) who visited the selected eye clinics participated in the study (response rate = 100%), with 109 (79.6%) from semi-urban and 28 (20.4%) attending urban clinics. Guardians from both urban and semi-urban clinics prioritised frame design, quality, and material as the main factors affecting their decision when purchasing spectacles for their children. Female guardians and those with higher incomes were both 1.5 times more likely to emphasise frame quality when describing selection criteria for purchasing spectacles for their children than male guardians (p = 0.01) or guardians earning less (p = 0.03). Conclusion Design, material, and frame quality are key factors influencing guardians when purchasing spectacles for their children in these setting and female guardians or those with higher income prioritise frame quality. This study could guide the planning and implementation of a novel cross-subsidisation scheme in Cross River State.

Demographic characteristics and ocular needs of children attending child eye clinics in Cross River State, Nigeria: a retrospective analysis of clinical records

“…Ajaiyeoba et al's population-based study in Nigeria 17 found that refractive error was almost twice as common in girls as in boys. Our earlier study 4 found that parents prioritised frame design, material and quality when purchasing spectacles for their children. Taken together, these findings indicate that planning for spectacle inventory should consider the gender balance of refractive error and what parents consider attractive and appropriate for daughters as well as sons.…”

“…Our previous work, which looked at user behavioural profiles, found that spectacle frame design, material and quality are key factors influencing guardians when purchasing spectacles for their children. 4 We further determined a need to correct misperceptions among parents regarding their children's vision and ocular conditions to increase the demand for child eye care services. 5 This article focuses on understanding the clinics' current patients to inform the development of a sustainable spectacles cross-subsidisation scheme.…”

Social, Educational and Medical Aspects after Cataract Surgery of Bilaterally Blind Children in Kinshasa—Perception of Parents and Children

“…On the other hand, two studies conducted in Nigeria showed other factors influencing the decision to buy eyeglasses for children. In one study, frame design, material and quality were the deciding factors [ 40 ]; in the second study, parents were aware of the need for eyeglasses for their children but were reluctant to have eyeglasses corrected because they perceived wearing eyeglasses as a stigma [ 17 ]. In a review by Burnett and colleagues, interventions and methods were identified to improve eye-care services for school children in low- and middle-income countries.…”

Parents’ reasons for nonadherence to referral to follow-up eye care for schoolchildren who failed school-based vision screening in Cross River State, Nigeria—A descriptive qualitative study

“…To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to explore reasons for referral nonadherence. This study is part of a larger research project, described elsewhere [ 20 ], to help the Nigerian government improve and scale up its child eye care programme.…”