Eye Care Practitioners’ Perception of Oculomycosis in Ghana

Abstract

Aims: Oculomycosis is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in the tropical regions of the world. Practitioners’ perception of the prevalence of oculomycosis and its associated risk factors could aid in the prevention of this ocular disorder. This study therefore investigated the eye care practitioner’s perception of oculomycosis in Ghana. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi,  Ghana, between January and September, 2014. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 120 eye care practitioners in six regions of Ghana was conducted, using a structured questionnaire, to obtain information on their perception regarding the prevalence, seasonal variations and risk factors of oculomycosis. Results: Optometrists, Ophthalmic nurses, and Ophthalmologists sampled were 43.3%, 42.5% and 14.2% respectively. More than one-third (39.2%) of the respondents reported that oculomycosis was commonly encountered in clinical practice, with the majority 66 (55.0%) stating that the prevalence was higher in April to November i.e. the planting and harvesting periods in the year. The practitioners’ perception of the prevalence of oculomycosis showed strong association with their gender (P = .01), duration of practice (P = .01), profession (P = .05) and facility type (P = .03). Risk factors commonly associated with oculomycosis were trauma from vegetative matter (80%) and non-vegetative matter (50%) and the use of herbal preparations on the eye (41.7%).   Conclusion: Oculomycosis is a prevalent ocular condition encountered by eye care practitioners in Ghana, especially during the rainy season. Intensification of health education on its risk factors could help minimize or prevent occurrence of this ocular condition.