Authors: Diabaté Z, Bilé PEFK, Diomandé GF, Koffi KFH, Babayeju ORL, Godé LE, Koffi KAP, Goulé AM, Ouattara Y, Diomande IA.
Introduction: The acceptance of cataract surgery faces several challenges in developing countries. The aim of our study was to identify the main reasons why patients at the Teaching Hospital of Bouaké refuse cataract surgery.
Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Ophthalmology Department at the Teaching Hospital of Bouaké, covering the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The study population consisted of patients who had been scheduled for cataract surgery but had not undergone the procedure. These patients were contacted by phone to determine the main reason for not attending their scheduled surgery. The variables studied included patients' sociodemographic characteristics, visual acuity, disease duration, laterality of the cataract, and the primary reason for refusing surgery. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 20; IBM.
Results: A total of 29 patients met the study’s selection criteria. The average age was 68.3 years. Patients with secondary or higher education levels accounted for 38% and 17.2% of the sample, respectively. The disease had been progressing for more than five years in 38% of patients. The most common reason for refusing cataract surgery was fear (20.7%), followed by insufficient information about the procedure (17.3%). Three patients declined surgery based on the advice of a close relative.
Conclusion: Fear, lack of awareness, and misinformation about surgical outcomes are the primary reasons for refusing cataract surgery. Continuous awareness campaigns to promote acceptance of cataract surgery remain essential.
View/Download pdf