PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PRIMARY EYE CARE SERVICES AMONG CHILDREN IN THE ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Background: Children often can't recognize or communicate vision problems, so parents must be vigilant in identifying risks, noticing subtle signs, and reporting concerns. This study assesses parental knowledge and practices regarding primary eye care for children in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 among parents of children under 18 years in the Ashanti region. A Stratified random sampling method was used to recruit 454 consenting participants. Data was collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire to assess children’s eye care-seeking behaviors, children’s eye examination history, and sources of information regarding pediatric eye health. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were performed using SPSS version 28. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. Results: A total of 454 parents participated, with the majority being females (60%), between the ages of 31 and 40years, and having at least a junior secondary education. The overall parental knowledge of child eye health was rated as good in 51.0% of participants. The majority (60.8%) of parents had never taken their children for eye consultations and 78.5% expressed no concerns about their children wearing spectacles. School teachers and radio programs were the most preferred sources of information about children’s eye care. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and practices regarding pediatric eye health among parents in the Ashanti Region is moderate, with a notable gap in seeking timely interventions. Targeted community-based programs should be organized to emphasize the importance of early detection and routine pediatric eye examination.