Publication:

Barriers and enablers of primary eye care service provision in primary healthcare facilities in Rivers State: a qualitative approach

Background For the effective provision of primary eye care (PEC) services, the availability of good financing mechanisms, manpower, equipment, effective government support, and efficient referral systems play a vital role in providing these services. This study aimed to explore enablers and barriers affecting the provision of primary eye care services in primary health care (PHC) facilities in Rivers State.

Methods This was a qualitative study carried out among 22 PHC workers in Rivers State, Nigeria. Data collection was done using topic-guided in-depth and key informant interviews to identify their perceptions of enablers and barriers affecting the provision of PEC services in the PHC facilities. All necessary ethical considerations were ensured during the course of the study and a thematic content analysis was used to analyze and code collected data into respective subthemes.

Results Enabling factors favouring the provision of PEC services included the willingness of staff to provide these services as well as the availability of specially trained personnel to provide the services. Barriers limiting service provision however included the shortage of the required manpower resources, the lack of proper technical skills to provide PEC services, unavailability of equipment and inadequate training, poor drug supply, and inadequate logistics support.

Conclusions The provision of PEC services faces various barriers that can potentially limit the quality and effectiveness of services provided at the PHC level of care. Establishing and implementing a strategic framework to address the identified challenges, and improving government funding were recommended.