Perception of Cataract Surgery Among Adults in Owerri Municipal, Imo State

Despite the availability of safe, effective cataract surgery in many Nigerian hospitals, demand creation remains a challenge due to negative perceptions and deep-rooted misconceptions about the procedure. This study examines the perception of cataract surgery among adults in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design will be employed among 350 adults aged 40 years and above recruited through systematic random sampling from four community clusters in Owerri. A structured questionnaire will assess participants' perceptions of cataract surgery in terms of safety, effectiveness, necessity, and fears including fear of blindness after surgery, pain, or spiritual repercussions. Prior knowledge of cataract, self-reported visual status, and prior contact with persons who have undergone surgery will also be recorded. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests will be applied. Negative perception of cataract surgery, including fears about pain and surgical failure, is among the top barriers identified in Nigerian cataract uptake studies. Social proof from neighbours or relatives who have successfully undergone surgery is a positive influence in similar community studies. This study provides Owerri-specific data to inform the design of targeted demand-generation messaging for cataract surgical campaigns. Recommendations will focus on community theatre, radio broadcasts in Igbo language, and survivor testimonials as culturally effective communication channels. Transforming public perception of cataract surgery from fear to acceptance is foundational to achieving Nigeria's national cataract surgical rate targets. Keywords: cataract surgery perception, misconceptions, Owerri, demand generation, Imo State