ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN OGUN STATE TOWARDS THEIR VISUAL HEALTH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A good attitude towards their visual health is important to every health care professional. Methods: A cross-sectional study. An online survey was conducted amongst health professionals in Ogun State between May 18th and June 17th 2020. Results: 154 respondents participated. Mean age was 39.2±8.1 years (22yrs to 62yrs) and 84 (54.5%) respondents were males. Respondents included Medical doctors (50.6%), Nurses (33.1%) and others (16.3%).Only 63 (41%) had a dilated ophthalmoscopy carried out on them and 112 (72.7%) respondents visit the eye clinic only when there is a compliant. Over 70% of respondents were aware of the listed common eye conditions (Cataract, Glaucoma, Refractive errors, Diabetic eye diseases and Retinal diseases) while 30% had never had no knowledge of them. Refractive errors were the most common condition previously diagnosed in 35% of the respondents followed by Glaucoma 8 (5.2%). 10 (6.5%) respondents were aware of Eye banking in Nigeria and 41 (27%) were willing to give consent to donate their eyes after death. Conclusion: There was a poor attitude to assessing visual health care amongst the HCP and also a poor knowledge of Eye banking and its importance for vision restoration.