Dr. Sucheta Parija, S09161
Purpose: To determine health seeking behaviour and socioeconomic barriers of patients presenting late for cataract services at a tertiary care hospital and their resolution.
Methods: A mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) approach was used. An interviewer-assisted questionnaire, surveying knowledge about cataract and barriers to cataract surgery, was administered by a trained nursing staff in the local language during the study year 2015.
Results: Among 250 patients; 48 had bilateral mature cataract at presentation. Attitudinal barriers were: could manage daily work (67.2%), fear of blindness (48.8%), and female gender (30.4%). Service barriers were: cost of surgery (66.0%),family support (27.6%), distance from hospital (20.4%).The amount of time in which cataract surgery was delayed was associated with age, cost, and eye examination (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Attitudinal barriers were reported more often, rather than issues of accessibility or cost. Eye care providers should address the identified barriers for increasing ear