Abstract: Ocular morbidity is a major cause of global visual impairment and blindness. The magnitude of global burden of visual impairment and blindness associated with industrial and occupational activities is of great public health importance. To a large extent, factors such as the state of the work environment, type of occupation, level of income and education, and patterns of socialization have considerable impacts on ocular health. The objective of this research was to study the socio-economic variables associated with ocular morbidity due to industrial activities. 150 volunteers presented themselves for this study. Non-probability sampling method was used. The research design used was a cross-sectional study, involving an on–site field screening of industrial workers. Morbidity was both reported and measured using clinical ocular examination procedures of the external eye and the posterior segment. Information on socio-demographic characteristics was obtained using interview-based examination administered by the examiner to each worker. Data obtained was presented using tables. Data was also tabulated and statistically analyzed. The tabular representation of data obtained was chosen for easy under-standing, interpretation and comparison of findings. Statistical package, χ2-test was employed for the analysis of data obtained. In this study, the prevalence of ocular morbidity was found to be 96.6%, with a significantly higher prevalence in males than females. The ocular morbidity observed was found to be significantly associated with levels of education, type of industrial activity, work environment, level of income, length of service (i.e. duration of work-related activity. Measures should be undertaken to render eye health education and creation of eye health awareness in industrial settings and in the community in general.
Keywords: Morbidity, Ocular, Morbidity Industrial, Incidence Rate, Prevalence Rate, Blindness, Disability, Impairment, Hazard, Health.
Title: Socio Economic Factors Affecting Ocular Morbidity among Industrial Workers: A Case Study of Coal Camp Enugu, Nigeria
Author: Mokwuah Isaac C, Okorie Ndidiamaka H., Ibezim Juliet U, Nwosu David C., Ejindu-Ejesi Chidiebere O, Ugwuodo Rita, Ezenyem Chinasa E
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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