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Awareness of Eye Disease and Self-Reported Perception of Eye Health Status among Adults in Two Rural Communities in Anambra State, Nigeria
Category: Original Articles
Published: October 2026
Issue: Vol. 4, Issue 2
Pages: 258 - 270
Authors
Adanma Ezenwa
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Department of Ophthalmology
adaezenwa17@gmail.com
Adaora Onyiorah
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Department of Ophthalmology
simplyadah@yahoo.com
Ahoma Mbanuzuru
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Department of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care
mvahoma@gmail.com
Anthonia Udeaja
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Awka, Department of Ophthalmology
anthoniaudeaja@yahoo.com
Abstract

Background: Optimal eye health and vision are vital for daily functioning and wellbeing. Eye health perception and awareness of eye diseases could impact eye health-seeking behaviour. This study sought to assess awareness of common eye diseases and self-reported perceived eye health status of participants, and also determines the factors associated with them.
Methods: A cross sectional study of adults attending medical outreach programs at two rural communities in Anambra state, Nigeria, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Consenting participants underwent blood pressure check, blood sugar test, weight and height measurements and ocular examination. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis with alpha level of 0.05
Results: There were 244 participants comprising of 75 males (30.7%) and 169(69.3 %) females; aged between 18 and 102 years, with a mean age of 59.4 ±15.6 years. Thirteen (5.3%) had no formal education while 94(38.5%) had secondary education. Self-reported perception of eye health status was very good for 6 (2.5%) participants, very poor for 29 (11.9%), while 115 (47.1%) participants reported fair eye health status. Up to 198 (81.1%) had heard about cataract; 185 (45.8%), glaucoma and 111(44.5%), refractive errors. Self-reported eye health status was poorer with older age (p=0.001), lower education (p=0.020), attending eye check (p=0.014), current eye complaint (p=0.025), eye disease (p=0.016) and lower visual acuity (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Majority of the participants rated their eye health status as fair and the awareness of eye diseases in this study was suboptimal. Eye health education to increase awareness on eye diseases and encourage the use of eye care services in the rural communities is recommended.

Keywords:
Eye disease, Awareness, Self-reported, Eye health status, Rural community
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How to Cite This Article
Adanma Ezenwa, Adaora Onyiorah, Ahoma Mbanuzuru, Anthonia Udeaja. (October 2026). Awareness of Eye Disease and Self-Reported Perception of Eye Health Status among Adults in Two Rural Communities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Eastern Heartland Journal of Medicine, Volume 4, Issue 2, pp. 258-270.
Article Information

Submitted: March 30, 2026

Published: October 17, 2026

Pages: 258 - 270

Journal: Eastern Heartland Journal of Medicine

Publisher: Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, Nigeria

ISSN: 2734-2875 (Print)