
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research
E-ISSN: 2582-2160
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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal
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Volume 7 Issue 1
January-February 2025
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Assessing myths and community beliefs as barriers to uptake of refractive services in Kakamega Municipality, Kenya
Author(s) | Kisenge Masinde Martin, Naimah Ebrahim Khan |
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Country | Kenya |
Abstract | Background information: Refractive errors and presbyopia remain a burden to the entire population. An estimated 76% of the 191 million blind people have preventable or treatable causes. Uncorrected Refractive Error (URE), the number one cause (51%) of moderate and severe vision impairment is easily preventable. Aim: The aimed to assess myths and community beliefs as barriers to the uptake of refractive services in Kakamega municipality residents aged 18 to 60 years. Methodology: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in Kakamega municipality using a cluster sampling method and descriptive data analysis. Results: Out of 358 participants, 199 (55.6%) were male and 159 (44.4%) were female. The majority of participants reported that spectacles spoil the eyes 150 (50.8%). Other associated myths were that spectacles worsen the eye problem (5.4%), spectacles are a sign of cleverness (3.4%), spectacles are for people with esteemed status (2.4%, spectacles improve the eyes (2.0%), spectacles are a sign of arrogance(1.7%), spectacles make the eyes appear sunken (1.3%), spectacles are due to an inherited condition (1.0%), people wearing spectacles are seen as being cursed (0.7%), spectacles are for mean people (0.3%) and people wearing spectacles are valued as being disabled (0.3%). Age was significantly associated with the use of spectacles (p=0.024). Gender distribution (p=0.758), education level (p= 0.962) and occupation (p=0.207) were not significantly associated with the use of spectacles. Individual perception on the use of spectacles (p= 0.050), community perception on female using spectacles (p=0.000), gender hindrance to the use of spectacles (p=0.013), spectacles affecting sports (p=0.001), were significantly associated with the use of spectacles. Conclusion: The study came to a conclusion that negative perception towards wearing spectacles as a barrier to the uptake of refractive services. Community education regarding refractive services will also greatly boost the uptake of refractive services. |
Keywords | Myths, community beliefs, Barriers, Uptake, Refractive services |
Field | Medical / Pharmacy |
Published In | Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2025 |
Published On | 2025-01-16 |
Cite This | Assessing myths and community beliefs as barriers to uptake of refractive services in Kakamega Municipality, Kenya - Kisenge Masinde Martin, Naimah Ebrahim Khan - IJFMR Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2025. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i01.35296 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i01.35296 |
Short DOI | https://doi.org/g82gp4 |
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E-ISSN 2582-2160

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IJFMR DOI prefix is
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