Willingness to Accept Ocular Surgeries by Adults in a Community of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The acceptance of ocular surgery by patients can be influenced by a range of factors which encompass concerns about the  surgical procedure, potential complications, financial implications and more. This study assessed willingness to accept ocular surgeries  among adults in an urban community in Edo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among  308 adult male and female respondents in Evbomore, an urban community in Edo State between January and December 2023.  Data collection was done using intervieweradministered structured questionnaires and was analysed using the Statistical Package for the  social sciences version 25.0.

Results: The mean age (SD) of the respondents in this study was 35 (12.7) years. Most of the  respondents (84.4%) were aware that ocular surgery is a treatment option in the management of eye conditions however, willingness to  accept ocular surgery as a treatment option was quite low (24.0%). Skill level (p=0.018) and educational status (p=0.024) were significant  predictors of willingness to accept this surgical treatment option.

Conclusion: The findings show a low willingness to accept ocular  surgeries while identified determinants include skill level and educational status. These determinants should be harnessed by health  workers in planning intervention programs such as health education campaigns and the provision of subsidized services through  outreaches.