Barriers to Spectacle Lens Utilisation for Correction of Refractive Errors among Patients Undergoing Refraction at the Eye Clinics of Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Correction of refractive errors with spectacle remains the most economical, non-invasive, and extensively accepted approach. This study is aimed at assessing the barriers to spectacle utilisation among patients undergoing refraction in tertiary hospitals in Bauchi State. Methods: The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The respondents consisted of 384 male and female patients, aged 18 to 80 years, undergoing refraction at the Eye Units of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi and Specialist Hospital, Bauchi; who were conveniently and purposefully sampled. Their mean age was 46.0 ± 15.4 years and 47.9% were females. Respondents’ demographics and barriers to spectacle utilisation were collected using questionnaires developed through the literature review. Pearson chi-square test was utilised to investigate associations between outcome variables with p< 0.05 considered statistically significant at 95% confidence level.  Results: 88.6% of the respondents stated that spectacle utilisation was very expensive; 75.6% and 84.4% cited that ‘it was stigmatising’ and ‘it prevents normalisation of vision’ respectively. There were also associations between gender and barriers to spectacle utilisation for refractive errors correction in these areas; ‘It makes one look old’ (p=0.0099) and ‘It puts limitations to daily activities’ (p = 0.0008). Conclusion: The expensive nature of spectacle the major barrier to its utilisation with the associated perception that it makes one look old and prevents normalisation of vision. The study recommended effective enlightenment on the misconception towards spectacles as of refractive errors corrective measure. Keywords: Refractive errors, Barriers, Utilisation, Spectacle lenses, Misconception. Title: Barriers to Spectacle Lens Utilisation for Correction of Refractive Errors among Patients Undergoing Refraction at the Eye Clinics of Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Bauchi State, Nigeria Author: Collins Onyeahiri, Felicia Omere Agho International Journal of Recent Research in Social Sciences and Humanities (IJRRSSH) ISSN 2349-7831 Vol. 11, Issue 3, July 2024 - September 2024 Page No: 91-98 Paper Publications                                                                                     Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 01-August-2024 DOI: doi.org Paper Download Link (Source) paperpublications.org