The Nigerian national blindness and visual impairment survey: Rationale, objectives and detailed methodology
2008

National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey in Nigeria

Sample size: 15375 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Dineen Brendan, Gilbert Clare E, Rabiu Mansur, Kyari Fatima, Mahdi Abdull M, Abubakar Tafida, Ezelum Christian C, Gabriel Entekume, Elhassan Elizabeth, Abiose Adenike, Faal Hannah, Jiya Jonathan Y, Ozemela Chinenyem P, Lee Pak Sang, Gudlavalleti Murthy VS

Primary Institution: International Centre for Eye Health, London School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence and major causes of blindness and visual impairment in Nigeria?

Conclusion

The methodology used was robust and adequate to provide estimates on the prevalence and causes of blindness in Nigeria.

Supporting Evidence

  • The survey covered 305 clusters across Nigeria over 30 months.
  • It included a sample size of 15,375 individuals aged 40 years and above.
  • The study aimed to provide population-based data for effective eye care planning.

Takeaway

This study looked at how many people in Nigeria have trouble seeing and why, to help improve eye care services.

Methodology

A nationally representative sample of persons aged 40 years and above was selected, with additional inclusion of children aged 10–15 years living in households with eligible adults, and various eye examinations were conducted.

Limitations

The survey faced challenges in some clusters due to civil unrest and community refusals to participate.

Participant Demographics

Participants included adults aged 40 years and above and children aged 10–15 years from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds across Nigeria.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2415-8-17

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