Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Ocular Topical Steroid Self-use in and Around Kishanganj, Bihar

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Ocular Topical Steroid Self-use in and Around Kishanganj, Bihar

Journal Title: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 3

Abstract

Background: It has been observed that majority of rural patients attending eye outpatient department (OPD) in a tertiary care hospital at Kishanganj, Bihar, are in the habit of misusing steroid medications through self-medication, treatment by quacks, pharmacists, and general practitioners for various eye conditions which can lead to various complications in eye. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study in ophthalmology OPD at tertiary care hospital in Kishanganj, Bihar. • A total of 56 patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 70 years who visited hospital for the first time in eye OPD from July 2015 to June 2016 were interviewed. • All patients underwent a short semi-structured questionnaire, especially prepared by the author. The results were statistically analyzed to come to a conclusion. Results: A total of 56 patients reported using eye drops. Only 18 of them were using steroid eye drops of their own with or without antibiotics or other substances. By calculating binomial probability and normal approximation, even with this small sample, it can be inferred that a significant number of patients do use self-prescribed steroid eye drops (P < 0.02). Discussion: Out of 56 patients who reported using eye drops of their own, only 18 were found to be using steroid eye drops with or without antibiotics or other substances. The most common cause among the symptoms, for which eye drops are used abruptly and unscientifically without proper prescriptions of qualified ocular consultants, is redness and itching of the eyes. Sometimes, these are prescribed by local general practitioners, but more commonly advised by chemist’s shop people, quacks, friends, and relatives and also on self-advice or simply because an old vial is available ready at the hand. Most of them use only when the problem is irritating. Interestingly, more than 50% are not benefitted by the drop. About 20% are totally ignorant about the side effects. Conclusion: There is a menacing state of affairs in rural/semi-urban areas of Eastern India regarding misuse of eye drops, at least in regions of our study, which begets bigger multicentric studies, and also, immediate measures should be taken to improve awareness and literacy on this issue.

Authors and Affiliations

Reena Kumari, De Kumar Chitra, Arup Bandyopadhyay

Keywords

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EP ID EP469644
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