Attitude And Practices Of Subjects With Recent History Of Conjunctivitis, Regarding Treatment And Prevention Of The Disease

Abstract

Conjunctivitis is considered as a mild disease affecting the eyes with epidemic potential. Supportive care and isolation helps to contain the disease and limit sequelae.Aims and objectives - To assess the attitude and practices of subjects who have recovered from a recent episode of conjunctivitis regarding treatment and prevention of the disease.  Design– cross sectional study based on questionnaire survey. Material and methods – The cases were selected by convenient sampling. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, general knowledge, use of local remedies, compliance to the drugs and preventive strategies taken.Results – The study included 54 cases. Male: female ratio was 14:40; mean age was 43.46 (SD 14.597). 40.7% were illiterate. 24.1% led a sedentary life. 85.2% belonged to rural areas. Use of alternate medicines was seen among 2.2% subjects. 13 cases used local remedies. Majority stopped the drug by themselves. 42.5% took precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.Conclusion – Healthy practices regarding containment of conjunctivitis were lacking in the study group.  Lack of adequate compliance, use of home remedies and self treatment with off the counter medicines have to be discouraged.