Preferred Methods for Eye Health Education at a Tertiary Center in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Patient eye health education is crucial to the provision of modern and personalized health care. However, various methods exist for the delivery of eye health education. This study aims to determine the preferred methods of eye health education among patients presenting at a tertiary eye care center. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the eye clinic of a tertiary health center. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on preferred methods of eye health education from adult patients aged 18 years and above who had a minimum of 6 months follow-up visit. Data were analyzed using frequencies and means, Chi-square was used to test for associations, and any P -value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Three-hundred and ninety-eight participants were interviewed. There were 212 (53.3%) males. The mean age of participants was 64.7 ± 20.9 years. The most preferred method of eye health education was one-on-one session with an eye care provider. 334 (83.9%) followed by printed educational materials provided by an eye care provider. 85(21.4%) older participants were significantly more likely to prefer one-on-one session with an eyecare provider compared to younger participants ( χ 2 = 15.519, P = 0.017). Housewives and civil servants had the highest preference for one-on-one session with an eye care provider ( χ 2 = 23.867, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Patient: educational preferences should be considered while planning and delivering educational programs in eye care facilities. These educational preferences should be tailored according to patients’ sociodemographic factors.