Experiences of primary eye care use among adults in Southern Ethiopia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Primary eye care (PEC) is an important component of comprehensive eye care services that allows communities to enjoy basic high-quality services. However, because of various determinants, communities do not use this service.

Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the experience of adults who used PEC services in the last 6 months.

Setting: This study was carried out in four districts in southern Ethiopia from June to September 2023.

Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study design was used to understand the experiences of adults 40 years and older who had used PEC services. Six focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 48 participants. A nonprobability purposive sampling technique was used to draw participants. Data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti software version 23.2.2.

Results: Primary eye care service use experiences of adults 40 years and above were discussed in terms of three emerging themes: the experience of community service use, barriers to service and suggestions to improve service. The study identified poor access to services, service provider-related factors and quality and awareness gaps as barriers to the use of PEC services.

Conclusion: Attention to PEC services, integration of eye care with other primary health care services, deployment of service providers, awareness creation and expansion of PEC units are needed to improve PEC service use.

Contribution: The findings will guide community-based intervention plans to reduce avoidable blindness and low vision, thus improving quality of life.