Tracing children with blindness and visual impairment using the key informant survey in a district of north-western Nigeria

Type Journal Article - Middle East African journal of ophthalmology
Title Tracing children with blindness and visual impairment using the key informant survey in a district of north-western Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 17
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2010
Page numbers 330-334
URL http://www.meajo.org/article.asp?issn=0974-9233;year=2010;volume=17;issue=4;spage=330;epage=334;aula​st=Muhammad
Abstract
Purpose: To identify children with irreversible blindness in a district of northern Nigeria for enrolment into an inclusive education pilot project.
Materials and Methods: Using key informants (KIs) working and residing within the communities, children with blindness and visual impairment in Gwadabawa local government area (LGA) were identified and then examined by a team of ophthalmologists/optometrists. Data analysis was performed manually using simple percentages and proportions.
Results: Sixty children were reported with visual problems by parents/guardians of whom 58 (97%) were examined. Twenty children (35%) were blind, 17 (29%) were irreversibly blind, and 9 (16%) had low vision (<6/18 to 3/60) with presenting vision. The major causes of childhood blindness were corneal opacity/phthisis bulbi (75%), and cataract (15%). The cause of irreversible blindness in these children was largely preventable (80%) as it was due to childhood-related illnesses, such as vitamin A deficiency and measles.
Conclusions: The major causes of childhood blindness in the study area were avoidable and the use of KI survey in this study provided an opportunity for service delivery

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