Factors that influence eye care utilization in Nigeria: a systematic review

Various factors have been identified to influence eye care utilization in Nigeria, but no study has synthesized evidence from primary research on factors that influence eye care utilization in Nigeria. This systematic review was conducted to synthesize evidence from primary studies on determinants of eye care utilization in Nigeria. We searched peer-reviewed journals from three databases for studies that investigated drivers of eye health service uptake in Nigeria. The retrieved articles were screened based on clearly defined eligibility criteria. The selected articles were appraised for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for quantitative and qualitative studies and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for mixed-methods studies. The review utilized mixed-methods approach and included quantitative and qualitative papers that met the eligibility criteria were selected. In all, 18 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. The factors that influenced eye care utilization in the studies were cost of services, lack of eye care services, knowledge and attitude towards available services, proximity to eye care service centres, cultural and religious biases towards eye care services, having individual or family history of eye problems. Across all articles, cost of services was reported as a key barrier to utilization of eye care services in Nigeria. This is modified by social economic factors such as level of education and age of patients. Addressing the factors that influence eye care utilization in Nigeria will improve eye care utilization and may reduce the burden of preventable blindness in Nigeria. This will enhance the World Health Organization (WHO) global strategic plan to enhance eye care services to the underserved populations.