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Background Vaccination remains the most powerful weapon against the emergence of new variants of coronavirus (COVID-19). However, false information about COVID-19 vaccines through various platforms including social media remain a major threat to global public health. The study examined the impact of information sources on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods A validated web-based questionnaire was administered in French and English to 2572 participants from sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, who were aged 18 years and over. An e-link to the survey was disseminated via emails and posted on social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp). The COVID-19 vaccination status (vaccinated, hesitancy and resistance) and their association with sources of information (mainstream media and social media) were assessed by conducting multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results The prevalence of vaccine resistance and hesitancy in SSA was higher among social media users (72.2 and 84.5%) and those that watched TV (73.0 and 79.7%), but lower among newspaper readers (42.5 and 36.7%) respectively, during the pandemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that Southern and Central African respondents were more likely rely on TV for information, women and those who smoke were more likely to rely on friends and family members for information during the pandemic. Lower education (primary education or less) was associated with lower likelihood of social media use for COVID-19 related information compared with postgraduate qualification (aOR 0.36, 95%CI 0.20, 0.62). Resistance to COVID-19 vaccination was associated with reliance families and friends (aOR 1.44, 95%CI = 1.08, 1.93), watching TV (aOR 1.54, 95%CI = 1.11, 2.14) and social media use (adjusted odds ratio aOR 2.93, 95%CI = 2.10, 4.09), which was also associated with vaccine hesitancy (aOR 1.46, 95%CI = 1.15, 1.85) among the respondents. Conclusions Our study showed that reliance on social media and television had the strongest impact on vaccine hesitancy. However, further research and investments are needed to improve the availability of reliable healthcare information in these channels to protect people and empower them to make appropriate choices about their health.

Background Vaccination remains the most powerful weapon against the emergence of new variants of coronavirus (COVID-19). However, false information about COVID-19 vaccines through various platforms including social media remains a major threat to global public health. This study examined the impact of information sources on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods A validated web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 14 March to 16 May 2021, and was administered in both French and English to 2572 participants aged 18 years and over. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical and vaccination history, and the information sources (mainstream media and social media) used by the participants during the pandemic were obtained. There were three main outcomes: The vaccinated group were those who responded in the affirmation (Yes) to the question of whether they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who responded ‘not sure’ or ‘no’ to the question were then asked if they were willing to be vaccinated when the vaccine became available in their home countries. The responses to this follow-up question were used to derive the second and third outcome variables of ‘vaccine hesitancy’ and ‘vaccine resistance’, respectively. A series of logistic regression analyses were used to examine the impact of information sources on the three main outcomes. Results The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the participants was lowest among newspaper readers (42%) and highest among TV (72%) and social media users (73%). The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine-resistance was also lowest among newspaper readers (37%) but highest among social media users (87%). Multivariate analyses revealed that compared to those who did not use these information sources, SSA participants who relied on the radio (aOR 0.83, 95%CI = 0.70, 0.99), TV (aOR 0.80, 95%CI = 0.65, 0.97) and social media (aOR 0.79, 95%CI = 0.65, 0.97) for information during the pandemic were less likely to be hesitant towards taking the vaccines. However, social media users (aOR 2.13, 95%CI = 1.62, 2.80), those who watched TV (aOR 1.40, 95%CI =1.08, 1.80), relied on healthcare workers (HCWs: aOR 1.32, 95%CI = 1.07, 1.63) and families/friends (aOR 1.31, 95%CI = 1.06, 1.61) for COVID-19 related information during the pandemic were more likely to resist taking the COVID vaccines in this study. Participants who relied on the newspaper for information during the pandemic were less likely to resist the vaccines (aOR 0.77, 95%CI = 0.62, 0.95) compared to non-readers of a newspaper. Conclusion We found that all six information sources except radio were strong predictors of the resistance towards COVID-19 vaccination. Further research on how these channels can be used to improve the availability of reliable healthcare information is needed. Investments in these resources will protect people and empower them to make appropriate choices about their health.

Referrals from primary care practitioners such as optometrists to other health care providers is critical to the health care delivery system of any society. This study explores the pattern of referrals of Nigerian optometrists with respect to glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. A cross-sectional survey using a 28-item questionnaire was administered to optometrists attending the 37 th annual general meeting of the Nigerian Optometric Association. Of the 58 respondents, 51 (87.9%) of the respondents based their diagnosis of glaucoma on the triad of raised intra-ocular pressure (IOP), cup-disc (C/D) ratio and characteristic visual field defect while the remaining seven (12.1%) based their diagnosis of glaucoma on raised IOP and C/D ratio. Fifty-four (93.1%) requested for a fasting blood glucose test (FBG) from patients who presented with ocular signs indicative of diabetes or diabetic retinopathy. When diabetic retinopathy was observed in a patient, 16 (27.6%) responded to refer the patient to an ophthalmologist while eight (13.8%) agree to refer the patient to a medical personnel/physician. Forty-four (75.9%) of the respondents reportedly performs visual field test (VFT) while 14 (24.1%) do not perform VFT. A total of 31 (53.4%) of the respondents reported that they will initiate treatment for a glaucoma patient before referring the patient to an ophthalmologist while 10 (17.2%) will refer glaucoma patient outright to an ophthalmologist. With respect to the stage of diabetic retinopathy that will warrant a referral, 42 (72.4%) of the respondents refer the patient at any stage when the diagnosis is made while 5 (8.6%) will only refer the patient if there is no improvement in the condition presumably after follow-up care. More female respondents were likely to refer glaucoma patients (OR = 1.556, 95% CI = 0.488 – 4.963) and diabetic retinopathy (OR = 3.682, 95% CI = 0.357 – 37.922) to ophthalmologists. Majority of Nigerian optometrists refer glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy patients to ophthalmologists; though more than half of the respondents will initiate treatment for glaucoma before referral . Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2016) 5(3), 36-44 Keywords : Optometry, Ophthalmology, referral, Nigeria, glaucoma

Various studies have reported that dry eye is a common occurrence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis but not much has been done to determine its occurrence in other forms of arthritis. Thisstudy was designed to compare the symptoms of dry eye, tear film breakup time and tear production respectively in arthritic and non-arthritic subjects and also between rheumatoid arthritic patients and patients with other forms of arthritis. A total of 106 subjects within the age range of 41-90 years were included. Fifty-nine were non-arthritic with mean age and standard deviation (SD) of 58.2 ± 11.9 years, while 47 had arthritis with mean age and SD of 63.4 ± 13.3 years. Of the 47 arthritic patients 34 had osteoarthritis, 10 had rheumatoid arthritis, two had ankylosing spondylitis and one had gout. Subjects were evaluated using a McMonnies and Ho Dry Eye Questionnaire, invasive tear break-up-time test, Schirmer I test and fluorescein staining. The percentage of subjects with dry eyesymptoms in both the arthritic and non-arthritic groups was quite small ( 0.05), or tear quantity respectively (Unpaired t-test: p > 0.05) between both groups. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in symptoms of dry eye, tear break up time, or tear quantity respectively between rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis (Unpaired t-test: p > 0.05). In conclusion, the occurrence of dry eye is largely independent of the presence of arthritis even though arthritic subjects may be slightly more symptomatic and the presence of dry eye is independent of the form of arthritis. (S Afr Optom 2013 72(1) 34-40)

We present a case of medicamentosa keratoconjunctivitis in a 42-year-old woman who complained of eye redness, blurred vision and pain after using inappropriate medications for treatment. Examination revealed severe conjunctival injection as well as punctate stains on the corneas. The patient was advised to stop her former medications and was prescribed an artificial tear supplement, an antibiotic-steroid combination and a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Possible conditions that could elicit similar clinical features are highlighted. The purpose of the case report is to raise issues relating to drug-induced allergic/sensitivity reactions based on recent clinical and experimental reports and also the roles of active ingredients and preservatives.Keywords: Superficial punctate epitheliopathy; Medicamentosa; Factitious disease; Dry eye syndrome; Benzalkonium chloride

Background : The early years of life is very significant in the development of the eyes and vision, any disruption at this stage may lead to severe visual impairment or even blindness. Eye examination and treatment of children is not just a right of the child, but also a necessity to properly monitor and evaluate the eyes and visual structure. The responsibility to make decisions as regards eye care of a child lies on the parents or guardian. Purpose : To find out parents knowledge and attitude towards eye examination and treatment for their children and the effect of demographic factors such as gender, age, educational status and number of children. Method : A total of 468 parents including fathers and mothers (not necessarily couples) in Benin City participated in this cross-sectional observational study. A semistructured questionnaire seeking parents’ demographic characteristics, attitude towards eye examination and treatment, factors affecting the need for routine eye checkup for their children and parents’ knowledge about the eyes was used. The data was analyzed using SPSS. The test of significance was performed using Chi square and significance was taken at p < 0.05. Results : Only gender affected parents’ attitude towards eye examination for their children (p=0.003). There were no significant associations between parents’ attitude to eye care and age, educational status and number of children for both fathers and mothers. Majority (60%of fathers and 66.7% of mothers) would seek eye examination for their children only when the child has an eye complain or eye problem. The belief that routine eye exam is not necessary was reported as the major barrier in seeking eye examination for their children (60% of fathers and 57% of mothers). Other barriers include funds, time, the use of traditional medicine, and distance to eye clinic. Over 65% of parents would allow their children use any eye treatment at any age as long as the doctor states the necessity. Although, few parents would restrict their children from the use of glasses, eye surgery and eye training until the child is 10 years. Fathers were significantly (p=0.008) better educated about the eyes than mothers although, less than 30% of respondents has had education about eye care. Less than 1% of respondents know that a child is old enough to have a comprehensive eye examination at 6 months. Conclusion : Proper parent education and enlightenment strategies should be put in place by professional bodies and the government to make better parents attitude towards eye examination for the sake of an improved eye health for children. Keywords : Parents, Eye examination, Eye treatment, Children