Maternal Use of Traditional Eye Medicines in Children Attending Immunization Clinics in Onitsha, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Mothers have significant roles in children’s health. A mother’s eye-care choices may significantly influence her child’s ocular health outcomes. Traditional Eye Medicines (TEM) are unorthodox medications administered for desired ocular therapeutic effect. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with TEM use among mothers attending immunization clinics in Onitsha, Nigeria
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 320 mothers attending immunization clinics at two secondary health centers in Onitsha from April-May 2025, selected by multistage sampling. Information on socio-demographics and TEM use was obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed and presented using frequency tables. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with TEM use with significance at <0.05.
Results: Response rate was 90.8%. A total of 320 mothers with a mean age of 29.8 ± 5.3 years were studied. Participants’ children were aged between 1 week and 676 weeks with a median age of 12 weeks. The prevalence of TEM use was 43.4% (139/320) (95%CI: 0.379-0.491). Among the 320 participants, breast milk 84(26.3%) and local antimony granules (otangele) 81 (25.3%) were the most commonly used TEM. The most common indication for use of TEM was eye discharge, 48 (34.5%). TEM use was associated with lower educational attainment (AOR =2.276, 95% CI =1.397 -3.707, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: The results show that 43.4% of the mothers used TEM. Integration of eye health education into immunization program with sensitization of mothers on the dangers of TEM use on children is recommended.
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