ABSTRACT: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore
the causes and management of blindness and blinding eye
conditions as perceived by rural dwellers of two Yoruba
communities in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Methods: Four focus group discussions were conducted
among residents of Iddo and Isale Oyo, two rural Yoruba
communities in Oyo State, Nigeria. Participants consisted of
sighted, those who were partially or totally blind and community
leaders. Tenpatent medicine sellersand 12traditional
healers were also interviewed on their perception of the
causesand management of blindnessin their communities.
Findings:Blindnesswas perceived as an increasing problem
among the communities. Multiple factors were perceived to
cause blindness, including germs, onchocerciasis and
supernatural forces. Traditional healers believed that blindnesscould
be cured, with many claiming that they had previouslycured
blindnessin the past. However, all agreed that
patience was an important requirement for the cure of
blindness.Thepatent medicine sellers'reportswere similarto
those of the traditional healers. The barriers to use of orthodox
medicine were mainly fear, misconception and perceived
high costs of care. Therewas a consensusof opinion
among group discussants and informants that there are
severe social and economic consequences of blindness,
including not been able to see and assessthe quality of
what the sufferer eats, perpetual sadness,lossof sleep and
dependence on other personsfor daily activities.
Conclusion: Local beliefs associated with causation, symptoms
and management of blindnessand blinding eye conditionsamong
ruralYorubacommunities identified have provided
a bridge for understanding local perspectives and basis
for implementing appropriate primary eye care programs
Ashaye, A (2021). Perception of Blindness and Blinding Eye Conditions in Rural Communities. Afribary. Retrieved from https://track.afribary.com/works/perception-of-blindness-and-blinding-eye-conditions-in-rural-communities
Ashaye, Adeyinka "Perception of Blindness and Blinding Eye Conditions in Rural Communities" Afribary. Afribary, 23 Apr. 2021, https://track.afribary.com/works/perception-of-blindness-and-blinding-eye-conditions-in-rural-communities. Accessed 05 Nov. 2024.
Ashaye, Adeyinka . "Perception of Blindness and Blinding Eye Conditions in Rural Communities". Afribary, Afribary, 23 Apr. 2021. Web. 05 Nov. 2024. < https://track.afribary.com/works/perception-of-blindness-and-blinding-eye-conditions-in-rural-communities >.
Ashaye, Adeyinka . "Perception of Blindness and Blinding Eye Conditions in Rural Communities" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 05, 2024. https://track.afribary.com/works/perception-of-blindness-and-blinding-eye-conditions-in-rural-communities