Utilisation of eye care services offered by Entebbe regional referral hospital among adults of Kambarange Nyerere barracks, Entebbe municipality. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2368Keywords:
Utilization of Eye care services, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Kambarange Nyerere BarracksAbstract
Background:
In Uganda, 1% of the population is blind, and 5.6% suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment. The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge, factors, and strategies to improve the utilisation of eye care services offered by Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital among adults residing in Kambarange Nyerere Barracks, Entebbe Municipality.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used employing quantitative methods of data collection. In a duration of 3 days, 30 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and it involved closed-ended questions. The data collected was analysed manually, and after the findings were entered into a Microsoft Excel 2013, which was then presented in the form of tables, pie-charts, and graphs.
Results:
Out of the 30 participants sampled in the study, the majority were male (60%) and predominantly older adults aged 50 years and above (33%), with most having secondary education (47%). Awareness of available eye care services was generally low, with 67% not aware of the services and 70% having never attended any eye health education session, although 80% had previously visited a health facility for eye-related problems. Institutional challenges were notable, with 50% reporting poor accessibility of eye care facilities, 50% unsure about service affordability, and 63% experiencing waiting times longer than one hour.
Conclusion:
There was low awareness, limited accessibility, financial uncertainty, and institutional barriers that significantly hindered the utilisation of eye care services, despite community willingness to engage in improved outreach and support initiatives.
Recommendation:
The study recommends strengthening health education, expanding accessible and affordable eye care services, and enhancing community outreach to improve overall service utilisation.
References
Ministry of Health – Uganda. (2020). Uganda National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2020–2025.Kampala: Government of Uganda.
Ramke, J., Zwi, A. B., Palagyi, A., Blignault, I., & Gilbert, C. E. (2018). Equity and blindness: Closing evidence gaps to support universal eye health. Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 25(5–6), 305–310.*
World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). World report on vision. Geneva: WHO.https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/world-report-on-vision
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Copyright (c) 2026 David Kaana, Jalia Namutebi, Hasifah Nansereko, Immaculate Prosperia Nagulu, Francisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega
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