ABSTRACT

Background information: From various studies, it has been prove that I developing nations especially, there is still a high prevalence of the practices of traditional eye medicine and ophthalmic self-medication. Despite attendant risks of these practices, people are still engaging in them. The unconventional substances used in the treatment of ocular ailments could range from urine, sea water, human saliva to over-the-counter (OTC) ophthalmic preparations without due consultation with an eye-care practitioner and the use of these cause irreparable damage(s) to the eye(s). Purpose: To investigate the determinants of traditional eye medicine and ophthalmic self-medication practices among rural dwellers in Ugbogiobo Community in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis: Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 23.0. Chi-square test was conducted on variables. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequency tables and charts. Conclusion: It was discovered there was no statistical  association between socio-demographic characteristics and use of TEM, OSM and combination of TEM and OSM.