000			03826nam a22003377a 4500
001			20241008111422.0
003			20241008111422.0
005			20241008112408.0
008			241008b |||||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
028			_b Wurzburg Road 35, Premises, Post Code: 33102 |
028			_b P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza, Tanzania |
028			_b Phone: (255) 28-298-3384 |
028			_b Fax: (255) 28-298-3386 |
028			_bEmail: vc@bugando.ac.tz |
028			_b Website: www.bugando.ac.tz
040			_cddc
041			_aEnglish
041			_aKiswahili
100			_eCUHAS/MPH/6000628/T/23 _q Blandina Protas
245			_aPerceived Barriers of Cataract Surgical Services Uptake Among Patients with Cataracts Attending Eye Clinics in Mwanza Region, Northwestern Tanzania _bA Multi-Methods Study.
260			_aMwanza, Tanzania | _b Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS-Bugando] | _c2024.
300			_a97 Pages
300			_aIncludes References
520			_a 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.
600			_xEpidemiology, Biostatistics and Behavioral Sciences
600			_x Opthalmology
700			_qJoseph Rogathe Mwanga
700			_qChristopher Evarist Mwanansao
856			_z A Research Dissertation Submitted to The Directorate of Postgraduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for The Award of The Master in Public Health (MPH) Degree of The Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences.
942			_2ddc _cMP _n0
999			_c29081 _d29081