Socio-Demographic Determinants of Patients Accessing Free Cataract Surgical Services in Uyo Nigeria
Abstract
Globally, cataract blindness is the commonest, yet surgical intervention as a means of treatment is one of the most rewarding surgical interventions known because of the expected good visual outcome. Sadly, there are certain undetermined factors militating against accessing cataract surgeries. In our locality, no study has explored these factors. The objective of the study was to determine socio-demographic factors common to patients who had free cataract surgeries during an Eye Camp in Uyo, Nigeria. The study design was prospective and non-randomized of individuals who had free cataract surgeries during the period. During the one month program, Two Hundred and Fifty Three patients (n = 253) were operated upon; 146 (57.7%) were males and 107 (42.3%) were females with a mean age 59.50±14.1. Most participants were rural dwellers (152; 60.1%). Financial handicap was the commonest reason for delay in accessing cataract surgical services. In conclusion: Poor financial status of the participants was the main reason for delay in accessing treatment for cataract. Other identified barriers to cataract service uptake were fear of surgical outcome and non-maturity of cataracts.