Original Research

Primary eye care service provision ability of mid-level healthcare providers in southern Ethiopia

Temesgen W. Kentayiso, Naomi L. Nkoane, Kholofelo L. Matlhaba
African Vision and Eye Health | Vol 83, No 1 | a931 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v83i1.931 | © 2024 Temesgen W. Kentayiso, Naomi L. Nkoane, Kholofelo L. Matlhaba | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 16 February 2024 | Published: 28 October 2024

About the author(s)

Temesgen W. Kentayiso, Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Naomi L. Nkoane, Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Kholofelo L. Matlhaba, Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The provision of eye care services by trained and well-capacitated primary care providers in the rural community will contribute significantly to the reduction of avoidable blindness.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate mid-level healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills capacity to provide primary eye care services.

Setting: The study was conducted in four districts of southern Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected mid-level healthcare providers from August to October 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi info version 6 and SPSS version 28 software. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used in the analysis.

Results: A total of 103 mid-level healthcare providers were involved in the evaluation with a response rate of 99%. Of the study respondents, less than half (48.5%) were found to have intermediate-level ability to provide primary eye care services. Serving more patients per month (p < 0.001), receiving additional training (p < 0.005) and having a first degree (p < 0.001) were found to have a statistically significant association with the ability to provide primary eye care services.

Conclusion: Most primary eye care service providers had a significant knowledge and skill gap. Capacity-building training aimed at enhancing the ability of primary eye care service providers need the appropriate attention.

Contribution: This study presents the ability of mid-level healthcare workers to provide primary eye care services to support the elimination of avoidable blindness, resulting in improved quality of life.


Keywords

primary eye care; primary eye care service provision ability; knowledge of primary eye care; skill of primary eye care; mid-level healthcare providers

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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