Abstract
Background: The scarcity of eye health work force in developing world where low vision and blindness
are major public health problems is well known. Integrating Primary Eye Care (PEC) with existing general
health care system at community level is therefore crucial. However, there is lack of such integrated PEC
service in Ethiopia.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Health Extension
Workers (HEWs) on PEC and the availability of infrastructure and basic supplies for PEC services.
Methods: A cross sectional community based study was conducted in Southwest Ethiopia from December
2012 to February 2013. A total of 165 HEWs were selected randomly and data pertaining to sociodemography,
knowledge, attitude and practice were collected with face-to-face interview.
Results: One hundred and fifty eight (95.8%) HEWs were aware of blindness but only 16(9.7%) knew
the definition of blindness. The common causes of blindness mentioned were trachoma 100(60.5%),
eye trauma 63(38.2%) and cataract 61(37%). Majority of the HEWs, 132(80.0%), believed that eye disease
is a priority problem in their community and 100(60.6%) HEWs believed that PEC services can prevent
blindness. Seventy seven (46.7%) HEWs felt that they are capable of providing PEC service while 123(74.5%)
of the study subjects felt that training on PEC is needed. About three-quarters of the HEWs 126(76.4%)
had heard about cataract. Similarly, 146(88.5%) HEWs had heard about trachoma. Majority 127(77.0%) of
HEWs did community awareness creation through health education on sanitation and 132(80.0%) HEWs
gave prophylaxis eye ointment for newborns. Similarly, 127(77.0%) HEWs identified and referred eye injury
while 127(77.0%) HEWs identified and referred cataract.
Conclusion: HEWs had high awareness on common blinding eye disease and had significant role in PEC
and blindness prevention activities. To eliminate avoidable blindness and promote eye health in Ethiopia,
integrating PEC in the existing national health extension program and building the capacity of HEWs on
PEC is highly recommended.
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