Perceived Barriers of Cataract Surgical Services Uptake Among Patients with Cataracts Attending Eye Clinics in Mwanza Region, Northwestern Tanzania A Multi-Methods Study.
Material type:
TextPublisher number: Wurzburg Road 35, Premises, Post Code: 33102 | P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza, Tanzania | Phone: (255) 28-298-3384 | Fax: (255) 28-298-3386 |Email: vc@bugando.ac.tz | Website: www.bugando.ac.tz Language: English Language: Kiswahili Publication details: Mwanza, Tanzania | Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS-Bugando] | 2024. Description: 97 Pages; Includes ReferencesSubject(s): Summary:
Abstract:
Background: Cataracts constitute a significant global health concern, with a substantial impact on visual impairment worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite being a highly successful treatment, cataract surgeries remain underutilized in many Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including Tanzania. Various barriers, hinder patients from accessing cataract surgery, contributing to a rise in blindness and visual impairment cases. The aging population and increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes further emphasize the need to address these barriers urgently, preventing cataracts from becoming a leading cause of blindness in Tanzania.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the uptake of cataract surgical services and explore perceived barriers among cataract patients attending eye clinics in Mwanza Region.
Methods: Multi methods were employed in a cross-sectional design. The data was collected by a standardized data collection tool for the quantitative component, complemented by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for the qualitative component. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA Version 15 and NVivo Version 12 was used to code, store, and retrieve qualitative data for subsequent analysis. Ethical clearance was sought from the BMC/CUHAS Joint Ethics & Review Committee and permission to conduct the study from respective authorities was obtained. Informed consent from each participant was sought.
Results: The study revealed that cataract surgery uptake among diagnosed patients in Mwanza Region was pointedly low (40%), with less than half of those diagnosed undergoing the procedure. Major barriers identified include fear of surgery, driven by myths and misinformation, and financial constraints. These factors led many patients to delay or
completely avoid treatment, exacerbating the burden of preventable blindness and highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve access to cataract surgery.
Conclusion: Fear of surgery, fueled by myths and misinformation, along with financial constraints, are significant barriers preventing access to cataract surgery. Addressing these issues through targeted public health interventions, including educational campaigns and financial support, is essential to improving patient outcomes.
| Item type | Current library | Status | Barcode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POSTGRADUATE DISSERTATIONS | MWALIMU NYERERE LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE-CUHAS BUGANDO | Not for loan | 20241008111422.0 |
Abstract:
Background: Cataracts constitute a significant global health concern, with a substantial impact on visual impairment worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite being a highly successful treatment, cataract surgeries remain underutilized in many Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including Tanzania. Various barriers, hinder patients from accessing cataract surgery, contributing to a rise in blindness and visual impairment cases. The aging population and increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes further emphasize the need to address these barriers urgently, preventing cataracts from becoming a leading cause of blindness in Tanzania.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the uptake of cataract surgical services and explore perceived barriers among cataract patients attending eye clinics in Mwanza Region.
Methods: Multi methods were employed in a cross-sectional design. The data was collected by a standardized data collection tool for the quantitative component, complemented by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for the qualitative component. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA Version 15 and NVivo Version 12 was used to code, store, and retrieve qualitative data for subsequent analysis. Ethical clearance was sought from the BMC/CUHAS Joint Ethics & Review Committee and permission to conduct the study from respective authorities was obtained. Informed consent from each participant was sought.
Results: The study revealed that cataract surgery uptake among diagnosed patients in Mwanza Region was pointedly low (40%), with less than half of those diagnosed undergoing the procedure. Major barriers identified include fear of surgery, driven by myths and misinformation, and financial constraints. These factors led many patients to delay or
completely avoid treatment, exacerbating the burden of preventable blindness and highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve access to cataract surgery.
Conclusion: Fear of surgery, fueled by myths and misinformation, along with financial constraints, are significant barriers preventing access to cataract surgery. Addressing these issues through targeted public health interventions, including educational campaigns and financial support, is essential to improving patient outcomes.
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