ABSTRACT

 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, while essential for various biological processes, can pose significant risks to ocular health, including photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitis, and long-term damage to the cornea and lens. Young adults, particularly university students, are vulnerable due to increased outdoor activities. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of UV radiation hazards to ocular health, usage of UV protective wears and sun safe behaviours among University of Benin students. A total of nine hundred and three (903) students from the various faculties of the University of Benin, who satisfied the inclusion criteria, participated in this study. The research employed a well-structured questionnaire of open and closed ended questions. The results revealed that  86.5%, 52.4% and 57.7% of these participants knew what cataract, pinguecula and pterygium were, respectively. 77% of participants were aware that exposure to UV radiation without protection can lead to cataract while 53.3% and 58.8% of participants correctly linked exposure to UV radiation to the development of pinguecula and pterygium respectfully. Furthermore, majority of the participants (94%) agreed that using protective wears was important under harsh sunlight, but only 26.7% wore glasses (including sunglasses and contact lenses) every time they were exposed to harsh sunlight. Age and gender were associated with students’ knowledge of the hazards of UV radiation to ocular health. Females were more knowledgeable (Odd Ratio=0.52, p=0.0018) about the hazards of ultraviolet radiation to ocular health compared to the males. Also, students aged 25-27 were significantly more knowledgeable (Odd Ratio=3.16, p<0.001) about UV radiation hazards than those aged 16-18 (Odd Ratio=0.54, p=0.031). Though general awareness of UV radiation was high, knowledge about specific ocular hazards caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation and protective practices were insufficient.

KEYWORDS: Ultraviolet radiation, Ocular health, Hazards.