Factors Affecting the Performance of Inclusive Eye Health Project in Marginalized Groups.

Abstract

Eliminating avoidable blindness in Tanzania is still a challenge, with several barriers to address. This study aimed to assess the barriers that limit access to eye health and discuss the opportunities for promoting and improving inclusive eye health services to marginalized communities in the Lindi region. Despite the national continuous efforts to minimize avoidable blindness, rural and marginalized communities continue to ex-perience significant challenges in accessing eye health services. Employing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were collected through a structured survey to study participants and were analysed through descriptive statistics and logistic regres-sion to assess factors affecting eye health services utilization, while Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions, and analysed thematically, adopting Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. The findings revealed that the awareness of eye health was quite high, but the utilization of the service was low due to cost, distance, and gender diversity. This was facilitated by quantitative insights that indicated gender as a significant factor influencing service utilization (p = 0.019), while the cost barrier was found influential, even though it was not statistically significant (p = 0.044). Qualitative insights strengthened these results by highlighting the benefits of community-based programs. The study recommended addressing affordability, accessibility, and awareness creation through the proposed strategies will improve the current situation. The findings provide relevant guidance to policymakers, healthcare providers, and international partners in achieving univer-sal eye health coverage in Lindi region and Tanzania at large.