Eye care in Fiji: a population-based study of use and barriers

Type Journal Article - Ophthalmic epidemiology
Title Eye care in Fiji: a population-based study of use and barriers
Author(s)
Volume 19
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 43-51
URL http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/22448611
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the use of medical services for eye problems in Fiji, and barriers to seeking that care.

METHODS: An interview-based questionnaire was administered as part of a population-based cross-sectional survey of adults selected by multistage random sampling from those aged =40 years living on Fiji's main island.

RESULTS: Participation rate was 73.0% (n?=?1381). A current vision or eye problem was reported by 931 participants, and a further 235 recalled a previous difficulty. Urban dwellers (P?=?0.002) and those aged =50 years (P?=?0.017) were more likely to report a problem. Gender was not predictive (P?=?0.215). "Blurred/poor vision" was the most common complaint (78.5%). Over half (53.3%) had not sought care for the problem most important to them. For current problems, being younger (P?
CONCLUSION: With expanding service delivery, increased eye health promotion, and attention to the financing of treatments, improved service use ought to be possible in Fiji.

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