AWARENESS OF CHILDHOOD BLINDNESS IN CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN ATTENDING OPHTHALMOLOGY OPD IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN GOA
Journal Title: Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 13
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood blindness is a significant problem worldwide. It is associated with child mortality and hence child survival is strongly linked to control of childhood blindness. Visual impairment in early childhood can have profound effect on the child’s overall growth and development. The caregiver’s awareness and perceptions about eye problems plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment of a child with visual impairment. This study was conducted among caregivers of children visiting a tertiary care hospital in Goa with the objective of assessing their awareness, perceptions and practices about common causes of childhood blindness. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted among caregivers of children who had been diagnosed with ophthalmological disease and attending Ophthalmology OPD. Data was collected from 300 cases using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. RESULTS Among the 300 caregivers who were enrolled in the study, 49% were mothers. The most common eye problem detected was refractive error (45.6%). On an average, 70.5% respondents had heard about common paediatric eye diseases. Of which 53.1% were aware that those diseases could lead to blindness. Majority of the caregivers opined that a balanced diet, Vitamin A rich diet, routine eye check-ups, use of spectacles, play an important role in the prevention of blindness. While 36.3% still believed in the use of traditional home remedies. Main source of information among caregivers regarding childhood blindness was found to be Paediatricians (39%), while mass media contributed to only 8.3%. CONCLUSION The study concludes that although caregivers were aware of occurrence of common paediatric eye diseases, the awareness that it can lead to blindness was low. Therefore, appropriate information, education and communication interventions need to be undertaken to improve the awareness of childhood blindness in the community.
Authors and Affiliations
Ugam P. S Usgaonkar, Sharvani Pai
Keywords
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- EP ID EP412118
- DOI 10.14260/jemds/2018/357
- Views 74
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