Enablers/ Barriers of Primary Eye Care Utilization in Primary Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijhs.3600Keywords:
Primary Eye Care (PEC), PEC Utilization, Enablers, Barriers, PHCAbstract
Purpose: This study was thus aimed at assessing the enablers, and barriers affecting the utilization of these services among persons receiving care at PHCs in Rivers State.
Methodology: A descriptive design was employed, and was conducted among 356 clients of PHC facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires to identify enablers and barriers affecting the use of PEC services in the State. Data analysis was done using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and was presented on tables and charts.
Findings: Enablers of the use of PEC services included good proximity 180 (50.6%) and accessibility of the services 185 (52.0%), as well as good interpersonal relationship with the healthcare workers 201 (56.5%) among others. Barriers to the use of the services however included poor service availability 232 (65.2%) and quality 205 (57.6%), long waiting time 210 (59.0%) and lack of trust in screening services provided 196 (55.1%).
Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: Enablers of service utilization included good service accessibility as well as good interpersonal relationship with health workers, while barriers included poor service quality among others. Urgent interventions must be put in place to close this inequity gap in the accessibility of PEC services by the relevant government ministries and agencies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Siyeofori Dede, Pearl Abereton, Adaeze Oreh
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