Awareness and Attitude towards Eye Health at Juaben Municipality, Ashanti Region, Ghana

Visual impairment is a growing global concern, predicted to affect 587.6 million people by 2050. In Ghana, 5.5% of the population suffer from this concern, with challenges like limited resources and awareness exacerbating the problem. This study examines the eye health awareness and regular examination practices within Juaben Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, focusing on barriers and potential interventions. This research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey targeting adults (18 years and above) within the Juaben Municipal Assembly. Using Cochran’s formula, an approximate sample size of 422 was derived. Data collection utilized a semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and attitude towards eye health, and barriers to eye health. Data was processed using IBM SPSS. Among other issues, the research sought to investigate: The attitude towards eye health and regular eye examination: The factors that influenced the level of awareness towards eye health and regular eye examination of respondents: The barriers to utilization of eye care services in the municipality. Of the 442 participants, most were married Akan Christians with primary education engaged in farming. While 87% found eye health crucial, only 27.7% knew of eye care services in the municipality. Main barriers to eye care access were the absence of facilities (69.7%) and costs (40.0%). The majority suggested establishing more facilities and providing free screenings to improve accessibility. The study identifies a gap between the perceived significance of eye health and its proactive care within the Juaben Municipality. Major barriers such as facility unavailability and costs were highlighted. Despite the understanding of eye health’s importance, the actual care practice is minimal, emphasizing the necessity for community-focused strategies. There is a conspicuous need for robust education and awareness campaigns. Capitalizing on prevalent mediums like radio and local information centers, the municipal assembly should collaborate with eye care professionals to disseminate eye health education comprehensively. Emphasizing the risks of self-medication is pivotal. Infrastructure improvements, particularly in transportation and road networks, will facilitate easier access to eye care facilities for those in remote areas. Lastly, a continuous quality assurance mechanism is crucial to ensure top-notch eye care services, thereby bolstering community trust and participation.