Level Of Knowledge Attitude And Practice Towards Intra - Ocular Lens Implantation In Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Intra ocular lens implantation is a relatively new surgical procedure in developing countries, although it has been the norm in developed countries for over three decades. It is carried out during cataract surgery for the purpose of aphakic correction. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness of the general population and their attitude as well as practices towards intra-ocular lens implantation. A self-administered questionnaire was used to interview doctors, medical students, cataract patients and other members of the general public. The level of awareness was found to be high, as 83.9% of respondents had heard about the procedure prior to the survey. A large number (81.9%) were willing to have intra ocular lens implant should the need arise, indicating that the procedure has gained a high level of acceptance. Almost one fifth (18.1%) of those studied did not wish to have any intraocular lens implant due to various reasons: religious, high cost and personal dislike of a foreign body in their eye.
More public enlightenment is required to make the procedure fully acceptable by the Nigerian populace. There is also a need for the provision of necessary facilities and appropriately trained personnel to enhance the capacity for a high quality, high volume, intraocular lens implantation output.


Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Intra-Ocular Lens Implantation.

Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 2 (2) 2003: pp. 95-98