Prevalence and practice of traditional eye medication (TEM) in Cross River State, Nigeria

Purpose: Traditional eye medications (TEM) are organic or inorganic products concocted locally and applied into the eyes or taken orally to treat eye problems. TEM usage is a widespread global practice. This study sought to determine the prevalence and practice of TEM use in Cross River State. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted on 840 respondents (aged 18-70) selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, data was collected from consenting respondents. Results were presented in tables and figures and associations determined by Pearson Chi-Square. Results: The prevalence of TEM usage was 54.2% with the practice more prevalent (43.1%) among rural dwellers although 43.3% of users had good knowledge of the negative effects TEM. The most common TEM were herbal (48.4%), breast milk (36%) and urine (33.8%), with majority (73%) applying directly into the eyes for itching (65%), pain (50%), redness (46.2%), discharge (23%), and poor vision (22.5%). Being above 50 years, having primary education, moderate knowledge and rural residence were independently all statistically significantly associated with TEM practice (p < 0.05). Belief in TEM potency, high cost and unsatisfactory treatment of orthodox medicine, long distance to and long waiting time in eyecare facilities enabled the practice of TEM. Conclusion: The high prevalence and practice of TEM use found in Cross River State indicates the need for more health education on the deleterious effects of TEM in the rural areas and the dire need for primary eye care services to be established in those areas.