Why do patients refuse trichiasis surgery? Lessons and an education initiative from Mtwara Region, Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Trachomatous trichiasis is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. A relatively simple surgery can spare vision. Although this surgery is usually performed free of charge in endemic regions, multiple studies indicate that surgical refusal is common. Prior studies have attempted to examine these reasons, although they generally rely on patient recall months to years after the surgery was offered. This study set out to determine major decision-making factors at the time of refusal. In addition, this study looked for ways to help increase surgical uptake by targeting modifiable factors.

Methodology/principal findings

We used a combination of focus groups, interviews with community health workers, and individual interviews with trichiasis patient

SUBMITTER: Gupta KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6001945 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature