Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study
Abstract Background Agriculture, one of the most hazardous occupations globally, accounts for a significant proportion of work-related injuries, particularly in developing countries like India. However, lack of awareness and possibly low education levels make farmers in the unorganized sector vulner...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21655-1 |
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| author | Gopinath Madheswaran K Eshwari Judith Shefali Jathanna Syed Ibrahim Krithica Srinivasan Lakshmi Shinde Ramesh S Ve Rashima Asokan S Saravanan SB Saranya |
| author_facet | Gopinath Madheswaran K Eshwari Judith Shefali Jathanna Syed Ibrahim Krithica Srinivasan Lakshmi Shinde Ramesh S Ve Rashima Asokan S Saravanan SB Saranya |
| author_sort | Gopinath Madheswaran |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Agriculture, one of the most hazardous occupations globally, accounts for a significant proportion of work-related injuries, particularly in developing countries like India. However, lack of awareness and possibly low education levels make farmers in the unorganized sector vulnerable to eye injuries. This study aimed to identify the barriers to and facilitators of protective eyewear among farmers. Methods A multicentric study was conducted to assess occupational ocular hazards and preventive strategies among farmers in southern India. The facilitating factors and barriers to spectacles or protective eyewear among the study population were explored using a snapshot qualitative study conducted from two centres in Tamil Nadu and one in Karnataka. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the facilitators of and barriers to protective eyewear among farmers. Results Five focus group discussions were conducted with 31 farmers (mean age 55.8 ± 9.2 years) from three centers. Six themes were identified: occupational hazards while farming, practice patterns for managing occupational hazards, uses of protective eyewear while farming, benefits and challenges of protective eyewear, perceptions about protective eyewear and suggestions for improvement. Eye injuries from dust, branches, and chemicals were common, and farmers relied on home remedies for minor issues. Protective eyewear was appreciated for preventing injuries and improving safety but faced challenges such as discomfort, poor fit, and aesthetic concerns, particularly among women. Conclusions Although there is awareness regarding the need for protective eyewear, it is often not used due to discomfort during work or concerns about possible breakage of the spectacles. It is imperative for primary eye care professionals to raise awareness regarding the importance of ocular protection in the workplace. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-649045bc8b6348b28f2c919584e2c5a8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-649045bc8b6348b28f2c919584e2c5a82025-02-09T12:57:56ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-02-012511910.1186/s12889-025-21655-1Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative studyGopinath Madheswaran0K Eshwari1Judith Shefali Jathanna2Syed Ibrahim3Krithica Srinivasan4Lakshmi Shinde5Ramesh S Ve6Rashima Asokan7S Saravanan8SB Saranya9Acchutha Eye Care & Institute of OptometryDepartment of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationDepartment of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationOccupational Optometry Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research FoundationDepartment of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationOptometry Confederation of IndiaDepartment of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationOccupational Optometry Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research FoundationAcchutha Eye Care & Institute of OptometryAcchutha Eye Care & Institute of OptometryAbstract Background Agriculture, one of the most hazardous occupations globally, accounts for a significant proportion of work-related injuries, particularly in developing countries like India. However, lack of awareness and possibly low education levels make farmers in the unorganized sector vulnerable to eye injuries. This study aimed to identify the barriers to and facilitators of protective eyewear among farmers. Methods A multicentric study was conducted to assess occupational ocular hazards and preventive strategies among farmers in southern India. The facilitating factors and barriers to spectacles or protective eyewear among the study population were explored using a snapshot qualitative study conducted from two centres in Tamil Nadu and one in Karnataka. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the facilitators of and barriers to protective eyewear among farmers. Results Five focus group discussions were conducted with 31 farmers (mean age 55.8 ± 9.2 years) from three centers. Six themes were identified: occupational hazards while farming, practice patterns for managing occupational hazards, uses of protective eyewear while farming, benefits and challenges of protective eyewear, perceptions about protective eyewear and suggestions for improvement. Eye injuries from dust, branches, and chemicals were common, and farmers relied on home remedies for minor issues. Protective eyewear was appreciated for preventing injuries and improving safety but faced challenges such as discomfort, poor fit, and aesthetic concerns, particularly among women. Conclusions Although there is awareness regarding the need for protective eyewear, it is often not used due to discomfort during work or concerns about possible breakage of the spectacles. It is imperative for primary eye care professionals to raise awareness regarding the importance of ocular protection in the workplace.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21655-1FarmingAgricultureProtective wearAwarenessQualitative study |
| spellingShingle | Gopinath Madheswaran K Eshwari Judith Shefali Jathanna Syed Ibrahim Krithica Srinivasan Lakshmi Shinde Ramesh S Ve Rashima Asokan S Saravanan SB Saranya Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study BMC Public Health Farming Agriculture Protective wear Awareness Qualitative study |
| title | Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study |
| title_full | Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study |
| title_short | Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study |
| title_sort | facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among indian farmers a qualitative study |
| topic | Farming Agriculture Protective wear Awareness Qualitative study |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21655-1 |
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