Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices about eye health among people of Katanga Slum in Kawempe Division, Kampala District

Abstract

Background: In Uganda, primary eye care is largely challenged in its organizational structure, availability of human and other resources, and clinical competency. This study seeks to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on eye health amongst people of Katanga slum as no similar study has assessed this previously. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about eye health are of great importance in assessing health care systems and delivery in a society Main objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about eye health among the people of Katanga slum, Kawempe division, Kampala district. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey targeting a sample size of 377 people of Katanga slum aged above 18, we used questionnaires with open and closed ended questions. Afterwards we analyzed our findings from the data collection using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for The Social Sciences) because of its simplicity, easy to follow command language and well documented user manual. Results: 377 participants took part in the study, 42.2% male and 57.8% female , 138 people within 18-30, 123 within age bracket of 30-40, , and 118 within 40-100 years. The VA amongst the participants was as follows: 317 were (6/6-6/9) , 49 having (6/12-6/18), and 11 with (6/24- 6/40). PH (46 improved and 14 did not) and for the NVA 78.77% had (0.40-0.63), 11.4% with (0.80-1.25) and 9.81%. had (1.50-2.50) 88 of these had previously had an eye exam and 287 had never been examined before. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study showed that the majority had good vision however, the 46 who improved with pinhole and the 14 who failed were referred to the nearest health care facility with eye services (MNRH Eye department). From the research all the 377 participants had access to a clinic/ health care facility however, all the participants had no clue of any school for the blind and visually impaired in the country so this calls for Ministry of Education & Sports to sensitize them of where the schools of children with special needs are.