Factors influencing early detection and referral of children with blinding eye diseases and low vision : an explorative qualitative study in Hai and Mwanga districts in Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
BACKGROUND: An eye disease in children is a matter of urgency. Once proper treatment is delayed, the chance of restoring sight becomes minimal. We sought to explore the factors that influence early detection and referral of children with blinding eye diseases and low vision by the first level of health care system (Dispensary). The results were to shed light to the government and all eye care providers on how well eye care services for children can be enhanced. METHODS: The study was carried out in July 2009 in 10 government dispensaries based in two districts of Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. The study recruited only formal trained nurses and clinical officers. 16 people were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires and 11 respondents participated in in-depth interview. Additional information was collected using observation list. RESULTS: Findings suggest that early detection and referral of children with blinding eye diseases is hindered by number of factors. These include insufficient knowledge and skills of dispensary health workers on childhood blinding eye diseases which was associated with lack of previous training on childhood blindness and absence of refresher courses on childhood blindness. The content of the manual on primary eye care indicated that the ongoing training is not adequate to prepare health workers for basic eye care services to children. Eye care needs of albino child and other children with low vision are not well known to primary health care workers. Other factors identified were lack of basic tools and information on eye care, sporadic supervision, lack of funding authority among the eye care managers and lack of awareness among the health workers of availability of free services at tertiary facility. CONCLUSION: Blindness has a negative impact on the quality of life of the child. The problem can be detected early at primary health care level and proper steps for further case management at higher level can be followed. Under the prevailing condition in Tanzania, eye care services could effectively be implemented onto PHC system by giving additional training to the PHC workers in child eye health service; training manual should be revised to incorporate eye care needs of the child. Provision of basic tools and creation of an efficient referral and supervision system for childhood blindness and low vision would be necessary to enable children get the services without delay.
Authors:
Kishiki, E.A.
Country:
Tanzania, United Republic of
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
health
,
children
,
disease prevention and control
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
xi, 59
Year:
2009
Region:
East Africa
Right:
© 2009 Kishiki
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Factors influencing early detection and referral of children with blinding eye diseases and low vision : an explorative qualitative study in Hai and Mwanga districts in Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)