International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

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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
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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