Prevalence and Causes of Ocular Morbidity among Commercial Intercity Vehicle Drivers in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: To determine the prevalence and causes of ocular morbidity among commercial intercity vehicle drivers in Jos, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of registered commercial intercity vehicle drivers at the Bauchi Road Motor Park Jos. The study instrument was a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Information obtained included demographic data, operational route, and ocular history. Each participant had a detailed ocular examination. The principal cause of visual loss for each eye and for the person was documented in accordance with WHO guidelines.

Results: Two hundred and sixty eight 268 drivers were recruited and assessed (survey coverage: 82.5%). Their age ranged from 20-90 years (mean: 44.2, SD 9.2). Most 158 (71.5%) respondents had ocular symptoms, the most common were difficulty in reading small prints 78 (35.3%), itching 56 (25.3%), and poor distant vision 17 (7.7%). Eight (3.6%) drivers complained of glare. Ten (4.5%) drivers had a visual acuity of <6/12 and thus did not qualify to possess a driving licence. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was 72.9% (161/221). The most prevalent ocular morbidities were presbyopia (42.5%), allergic conjunctivitis (26.2%), cataract (8.6%), refractive errors and pterygium (2.7%). One (0.5%) respondent had advanced chronic glaucoma.

Conclusion: A significant number of drivers do not have the minimum visual requirement for driver's licensure. The prevalence of ocular morbidity among the drivers is high. The national policy on eye examination as a precondition for driver's licensure and renewal should be enforced.

Key words: Drivers, Vision, Morbidity