Perception-related factors associated with adherence to the use of corrective glasses among patients with refractive errors in Jinja city. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

The study aims to identify patient perception-related factors towards the use of corrective glasses in Jinja city.

 Methodology:

The study used a cross-sectional study design to collect quantitative data, where 56 respondents were chosen by probability sampling. Data was analysed manually using a scientific calculator, and tabulations were made to establish the relationships between variables. The results were presented in figures, tables, and statements. 

 Results:

The majority of the respondents were females (58.9%) compared to males who were (41.1%). The majority (30.4%) agreed that corrective glasses make them look visually handicapped, (25%) disagreed, 17.9% were neutral, 16.0 who strongly agreed, and 10.7% strongly agreed. The majority (32.1%) agreed that corrective glasses are uncomfortable to wear, (28.6%) strongly agreed,16.1% disagreed, (16.1%) strongly disagreed, and (7.1%) were neutral about the statement. The majority (35.7%) agree that corrective glasses will weaken their eyesight, (25%) disagreed, (17.9%) were neutral, (12.5%) strongly disagreed, and (8.9%) strongly agreed. The majority (39.3%) disagreed that corrective glasses make them feel confident, 35.7% agreed, 17.9% were neutral, and 7.1% strongly agreed.

Conclusion:

There was poor patient perception towards wearing corrective glasses, with most respondents finding them uncomfortable to wear, believing that they would weaken their eyesight over time, and that they made them look visually blind.

Recommendation:

Comprehensive health education by the health workers about the benefits of adhering to the use of corrective glasses and clearing the misconceptions they hold, while tailoring information to each patient’s level of understanding, considering factors like literacy.