Awareness and Knowledge of Ocular Allergy among Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Zimbabwe: An online survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND Despite the increasing prevalence of ocular allergies globally, there is a lack of literature regarding the awareness and knowledge levels of ocular allergies in Zimbabwe. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of ocular allergy among undergraduate students in public universities in Zimbabwe.

MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across eleven public universities in Zimbabwe, and questionnaires were sent via WhatsApp and other social media platforms. The study was carried out between April 2022 and November 2022. A three-section self-administered online questionnaires created electronically on Google Forms were used to collect the data.

RESULTS The study included 1000 undergraduate students, comprising 54.1% males and 45.9% females. Their age ranged between 18 and 42 years. Most students (29.3%) were from the science faculties and were in their third year (34.0%). Almost all the participants (96.1%) were enrolled in the conventional study type. A significant association was found between sex and place of origin, the year of study, and the course of study (p<0.001). Most of the students had a fair knowledge of ocular allergies, and there was a significant association with the programme of study (p<0.05). More than half of the participants (55.3%) reported that ocular allergies are eye inflammation in response to a harmless foreign substance. Most of the participants had poor knowledge of the forms of ocular allergy. Sources of information on ocular allergy, as reported by the participants, included friends or relatives, the internet, media, eye specialists, training programs, books, and schools.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Awareness and knowledge of ocular allergies among University undergraduate students in Zimbabwe is good, whilst significant gaps exist in their knowledge of the forms of ocular allergies. However, students enrolled in science-related programmes had a better understanding of ocular allergies compared to their counterparts. There is a need for health education on ocular allergy.