Awareness and perception level in parents of children having eye disease in remote area (Koh-i-Sulaiman) of Baluchistan.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To check the awareness level of the parents of children having common eye problems like blurry vision, refractive error, anisometropia etc. in Koh-i-Sulaiman (a remote area of Baluchistan province, Pakistan).

METHODS: Data were gathered using a self-made questionnaire. All the data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 22.0) Descriptive analysis was applied on qualitative variables. Chi-square test was applied to compare qualitative variables.

RESULTS: 150 parents participated in this study. 50 were males and 100 females. The subjects were divided into two groups; group 1: literate and group 2: illiterate. Most of the literate respondents detected eye abnormalities in their child more as compared to illiterate parents. Most of the literate respondents knew that wearing spectacles was effective in the treatment of poor eyesight as compared to illiterates. Most of the illiterate respondents got information about eye health from radio and community. Literate respondents got information about eye health mostly from newspapers, TV, and community. Most of the lesser-educated respondents wanted information on complications while the educated people wanted more information on signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention. Most of the illiterate respondents used self-medication and local herbs for the treatment of eye diseases but whereas literate respondents used self-medication, mostly go to ophthalmologists for treatment.

CONCLUSION: The literacy level of parents is more important for the perception of disease, but most parents are not well aware of eye disease due to lack of education and resources. Mostly parents used self-medication for the treatment of eye disease in this area.

KEYWORDS: Awareness, Perception, Education level, Eye disease, Refractive error, Blindness.