Perception of Blindness and Blinding Eye Conditions in Rural Communities

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