Eye Health Seeking Behaviour Among Rural Women in Ebonyi State: A Descriptive Study

Gender disparities in access to eye care services remain a significant challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with rural women disproportionately affected by untreated visual impairment. This study explores eye health-seeking behaviour among rural women in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design will be adopted. A total of 420 women aged 18 to 65 years residing in rural communities in Afikpo North and Ezza South local government areas will be recruited through community cluster sampling. A pre-tested structured questionnaire will assess women's practices in seeking care for eye problems, the type of provider consulted (formal, informal, or traditional), factors influencing their choice, and perceived barriers including cost, transportation, household responsibilities, and cultural restrictions. Thematic coding will complement quantitative frequency analysis to capture contextual nuances in health-seeking narratives. Existing studies from similar settings in South East Nigeria demonstrate that women are significantly less likely than men to access formal eye care, often presenting late with advanced conditions. Domestic and agricultural demands, combined with financial dependency and decision-making constraints, compound this disparity. This study provides Ebonyi-specific data to guide gender-responsive outreach programming, mobile eye care services, and community health worker sensitisation strategies. Policy recommendations will centre on removing structural barriers to eye care access for rural women, including integration of ophthalmic services into maternal and reproductive health platforms already trusted by this population. Keywords: health-seeking behaviour, women, rural eye care, Ebonyi State, gender disparity