Eye Care Utilization Patterns Among Rural Dwellers in Kebbi State

Access to eye care services in rural Nigeria remains significantly limited by geographic, financial, and sociocultural barriers. This study examines the eye care utilization patterns and associated barriers among rural dwellers in selected communities in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey will be conducted among 400 adults from four rural communities in the Argungu and Birnin Kebbi local government areas. A structured questionnaire will be used to assess participants' knowledge of ocular conditions, prior utilization of professional eye care services, perceived barriers to access, and health-seeking practices including the use of traditional eye medicine. Ocular examinations will be conducted on-site using portable equipment. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify predictors of low eye care utilization. It is expected that fewer than 20 percent of participants will have ever visited a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist. The primary barriers anticipated include long distances to eye care facilities, high cost of services, low educational attainment, and cultural reliance on traditional healers. Findings will guide the Kebbi State Ministry of Health and partnering non-governmental organizations in designing mobile eye care outreach programs tailored to rural populations. This study adds important evidence to the discourse on primary eye care access in Nigeria's North West zone and reinforces the need for decentralized optometry service delivery in rural and underserved communities. Keywords: eye care utilization, rural dwellers, Kebbi State, access barriers, primary eye care