Title:
Exploring the Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices of Primary Level Health Workers in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region of Ghana Regarding Glaucoma
Authors:
Samani, Freeman Samson
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
viii, 95
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Glaucoma, Primary level, Health workers, Ghana, eye disease
Abstract:
Background of Study: Blindness caused by glaucoma is irreversible and patients usually with advance disease when little can be done for them. Primary level health workers in Ghana are key in glaucoma control in Ghana. Aim: The study aims to identify common eye conditions reported in Ghana and identify factors influencing early detection and management of glaucoma in the Talensi District of Ghana. Methods: A literature review, desk study and a qualitative study were done to review global and national evidences regarding glaucoma, and assess Knowledge, perceptions and practices of primary level health workers in the Talensi District regarding glaucoma. Findings: The prevalence of glaucoma in Ghana is between 6.8% and 8.4%. The government of Ghana employs over 70% frontline eyecare providers. Glaucoma care is not universally covered under Ghana’s NHIS. The ophthalmic nurse in the Talensi District was well informed and practiced fairly well regarding glaucoma. Knowledge, perceptions and practices of Clinical Nurses and Community health nurses in the Talensi District regarding glaucoma were inadequate. There was no national treatment guideline for specialized eye care providers in the Talensi District. Conclusion: There is a global consensus that early detection is important in glaucoma control, however an inadequate knowledge and practices of primary level health workers, and an inadequate integration of eye care services among other factors in the Talensi District is hindering this. Recommendation: Guidelines should be developed to aid in identification, education and referral of people at high risk of developing glaucoma at the community level.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Ghana
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2017 Samani
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
qUU3w6RzdR_20180415141343132.pdf