부산대학교 도서관

Purpose: To compare the trichiasis surgery workforce in Jigawa state with the World Health Organization recommendations for surgical technique, training and equipment supply; and to explore the self-reported challenges faced by the lid surgeons in the recruitment and management of trichiasis patients. Methodology: All available trichiasis surgeons in the state were given questionnaires to complete with information about their training, management of trichiasis, difficulties faced in their practice, surgical equipment; and perceived barriers to uptake of trichiasis surgery. Results: Fifteen surgeons evaluated, all were males with a mean age of 43.7 years (±8.6 years), with an average of three surgeons per zone. Nine of the surgeons could perform both BLTR and Trabut operation, four could do only Trabut while two did only BLTR. All had formal training and certification, except two who trained on the job. Only surgeons whose first training was at least 8 years prior to the study had been retrained. There was an average of 1.66 (±1.17) complete trichiasis surgery instrument sets per centre. Eight (53.33%) surgeons were satisfied with the number and quality of surgical sets. Self reported challenges faced by the surgeons were postoperative infection from poor hygiene, poor compliance with postoperative medications, lack of acceptance of surgery by patients, difficulty in accessing remote areas and sub-standard drugs. Conclusion: Staff training and instrument supply fall short of the recommended for trichiasis surgeons. The challenges faced by TT surgeons in Jigawa are similar to those experienced by TT surgeons in other resource poor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]