Barriers to Utilization of Eye Care Services in the Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the barriers to utilization of eye care services in the Upper East region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study in which 350 participants were randomly sampled from 8 district capitals and one settlement. These locations were selected for the study because an eye care facility was located in each of them. Interview of participants was conducted using structured questionnaires. Majority (53.71%) of the participants were females. Forty percent (40.00%) of the participants had not sought eye care in the last three years. There was no statistically significant difference in gender utilization of eye care services (p=0.204). The major barriers to utilization of eye care services identified were social engagement/other priorities, ability to perform daily task despite condition, cost of service and transportation, distance to eye care facility and the lack of knowledge of the availability of eye care services and treatment. This finding suggests that attitude, poverty and lack of awareness are major barriers to eye care utilization in the Upper East region. The importance of public education in the region and a health insurance with a wider coverage cannot be overemphasized.