Eye care in Timor‐Leste: a population‐based study of utilization and barriers

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2007.01645.x
• Publication Date: 2008-02-18T07:11:15Z
• Authors: Anna Palagyi; Jacqueline Ramke; Renee Du Toit; Garry Brian
• Keywords: Timor leste; Blurred vision

To determine utilization of Western-style conventional health services for eye problems in Timor-Leste, and barriers to seeking that care.An interview-based questionnaire was administered as part a population-based cross-sectional survey 50 clusters (urban rural) 30 people aged > or =40 years.Of 1470 enumerated, 1414 were examined (96.2%). A total 1293 (91.4%) reported at least one previous present problem, mostly (88.6%) blurred/poor vision, near and/or distance. Men (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3), literates 2.1, 1.4-3.5), urban dwellers 4.1, 2.6-6.4) those paid employment compared with being farmer 3.0, 1.5-5.9) more likely have problem. 858 (66.4%) sought care its remedy. Non-utilization associated illiterate 3.7, 2.9-4.8), rural dweller 3.8, 3.0-4.9), unemployed 1.1-2.2) 5.2, 3.5-7.6) employment, having moderately impaired non-impaired vision 1.4, 1.1-1.8), red/itchy/painful eyes blurred 2.3, 1.6-3.2), but not age, gender poor distance vision. Lack awareness service availability the most frequent reason treatment (32.9%), especially respondents. Attitudinal reasons also prevalent (32.5%), social (11.8%), economic (11.5%) service-related (9.0%) issues less so.If is improve there must be better appreciation it, increased availability, accessibility services.