Barriers to eye care uptake: a cross-sectional survey of rural and urban communities
The study investigated the barriers to the uptake of eye care services in urban and rural communities in Papua New Guinea. Key Findings:
- Over 60% of participants had never undergone an eye examination before the study.
- Common personal barriers included time constraints, insufficient income, perception of good vision in the other eye, underestimation of eye conditions’ severity, and cultural beliefs.
- Challenges related to service providers included long waiting times at eye clinics and fear of complications from procedures.
This study found barriers could be overcome through strategic human resource development, health education, school screening programs, and establishing eye care centres in the communities to improve the uptake of eye care services.
Reference: Owusu-Afriyie, Bismark, et al. “Barriers to the Uptake of Eye Care Services: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Rural and Urban Communities.” PLOS ONE 19.8 (2024)
