title: Factors associated with protective eyewear use among cocoa farmers in Ghana.
abstract: To determine the factors that are associated with the use of protective eyewear (PEW) among cocoa farmers in Ghana, a multistage random sample of 556 cocoa farmers were recruited from four districts in the country. A questionnaire was used to elicit information on the use of PEW and barriers to its use among these farmers. Only 34 (6.1%) participants reported using PEW. Being female, old age and perception of good distance vision was associated with lower odds of PEW use. However, higher educational attainment, application of fertiliser and pesticides were associated with higher odds of PEW use. Participants cited non-availability, unaffordability and ignorance/lack of training as the main barriers to the use of PEW. The low use of PEW could be addressed through ocular health education and occupational health and safety policy initiatives.
authors: Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
authors: Samuel B
authors: SB
authors: Boadi-Kusi
authors: Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors: Rekha
authors: R
authors: Hansraj
authors: Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors: Khathutshelo P
authors: KP
authors: Mashige
authors: Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
authors: Alex Azuka
authors: AA
authors: Ilechie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002099:Cacao; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005135:Eye Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000067565:Farmers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010575:Pesticides; D011050:Policy Making
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides