Appraisal of the practice of ocular self-medication in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana


Submitted: 1 December 2013
Accepted: 16 March 2014
Published: 18 June 2014
Abstract Views: 2695
PDF: 1130
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Authors

  • Samuel Kyei Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
  • Stephen Ocansey Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Department of Vision and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
  • Emmanuel Kwasi Abu Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
  • Bismark Nyarko Gyedu Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
The purpose of the present study was to assess the practice of ocular self-medication among people of the Cape Coast Metropolis, Central Region of Ghana. A population-based survey involving 421 respondents ≥18 years old was conducted. A pre-tested interview-based questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, ocular symptoms for which selfmedication was practiced, medical knowledge and self-care orientation. Households were systematically and randomly selected as study units. Analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Descriptive results were expressed as frequency, percentage, and mean±standard deviation, X2 test was used for associations, and logistic regression was used to test for predictors of the practice of ocular self-medication. Prevalence of ocular self-medication was 23.3% with itchy eye being the main ocular symptom for which self-medication was practiced. Local pharmacies were the main source of drug for ocular self-medication. There was no association between medical knowledge and the practice of ocular self-medication (X2=0.126; P=0.722). Some 25.5% experienced adverse effects. In conclusion, the practice of ocular self-medication was without recourse to adequate concept of the practice of self-care but its negative effect was mitigated by the low self-care orientation of the people.

Kyei, S., Ocansey, S., Abu, E. K., & Gyedu, B. N. (2014). Appraisal of the practice of ocular self-medication in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Optometry Reports, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/optometry.2014.2164

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