Literacy, Health-Seeking Behavior, and Retinal Diseases in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Retinal diseases are increasingly becoming a cause for concern worldwide. Despite this, little information on the association between literacy levels, health-seeking behavior, and retinal diseases in North Central Nigeria is available. Objective: To explore the relationship between literacy levels and retinal diseases in a tertiary institution in North Central Nigeria. To examine the impact of literacy levels on retinal health, access to eye care, and disease outcomes, and recommend strategies to improve eye health outcomes. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study where all new patients attending the eye clinic from June to December 2014 were interviewed. Self-reported information on sociodemographic data, literacy, and health-seeking behavior was obtained using a detailed interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between health-seeking behavior and retinal diseases. Results: Two hundred and seventy-eight participants were seen, of which 74 (26.6%) had retinal diseases. Of the 74 study participants with retinal diseases, 5 (6.8%) were illiterate, whereas 69 (93.2%) were literate, where 2 (2.7%) had no formal education (Arabic), 17 (22.9%) had primary school education, 19 (25.7%) had secondary level of education, and 31 (41.9%) attained tertiary level education. Retinal diseases were observed in 23 (31.1%) civil servants, which was more than in other occupations. Logistic regression revealed poor health-seeking behavior was a significant predictor of retinal disease, with a 0.494 chance of increased risk of retinal disease (odds ratio = 0.494, confidence interval = 0.288–0.847, P = 0.010). Conclusion: The study findings allude to the need for health education and the development of health interventions, which could ultimately prevent a potential increase in the prevalence of retinal diseases.