Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: November | Volume: 10 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 225-235
Knowledge, Attitude and Use of Eye Protectors by Welders in a Rural Community of Imo State, Nigeria
Chukwuoha Chigozie Mary1, Nwoke Eunice Anyalewechi2, Esenwah Emmanuel Chukwudi3, Azuamah Young Christian3, Nwaigwe Obianuju MaryJane1
1Mercy Eye Clinic, 29 Wetheral Road, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
2Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
3Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Chukwuoha Chigozie Mary
ABSTRACT
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice studies can be used for diagnostic purposes for which they describe the population’s current knowledge, attitude and practice as well as being implemented to increase insights in a current situation and in appropriate specific interventions.
Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and use of eye protectors by welders in Umualum, a rural community in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria and to assess if there is a relationship between knowledge, attitude and their age, educational attainment and years of service.
Materials and methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional survey was used. 260 welders participated in the study. A validated questionnaire was used for data collection and data analysed with descriptive statistics. The research hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square test.
Result: There was a relatively high level of knowledge (86.2%) that use of eye protectors prevents work-related ocular hazards/injuries. Generally, the level of attitude of the welders towards use of eye protectors was poor (59.2%) and the constant use of eye protectors was low (34.2%) as compared to the level of knowledge. There was a significant relationship between age, educational attainment and years of service (P<0.001) and the level of knowledge of the use of eye protectors as well as the attitude of the welders towards the use of eye protectors (P<0.001; P=0.036).
Conclusion: The attitude of the welders in Umualum should be modified through continuous eye health and occupational health and safety education for health safety and increased productivity.
Key words: knowledge, attitude, practice, eye, protectors, welders.