Abstract:
Background: While pro-poor economic activities have provided employment to
poor and vulnerable groups in a number of African countries, some of the
activities expose those involved to occupational hazards but these hazards are
rarely discussed. One of such activities is oil palm kernel processing with its
associated exposure to heat with consequences for ocular health. The paper
explores the implications of oil palm kernel processing for the ocular health of
the women involved in the industry in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central
Region of Ghana.
Methods: The study involved a survey, in-depth interviews and a Standard
ophthalmic examination was carried out on 100 women aged 13 years and above
some of whom had been in palm kernel oil processing for ten years or more.
The participants were those who were available and willing to participate in the
research.
Results: The most commonly reported ocular complaints were itching (20.0%),
red and painful eyes (13.0%) and blurred vision at distance (13.0 %). Among the
ocular diseases identified were chronic conjunctivitis (21.0%), pterygium (11.0%)
and cataract (8.0%). The prevalence of suspected glaucoma (C/D > 0.5) was
about 3% while the prevalence of visual impairment (VA!6/18 in the better
eye) was 24%. Only 22% of the impairment observed could be attributed to
hazards associated with the job.
Conclusions: The processes involved in the palm kernel oil business predispose
women to risk of eye diseases. Provision of eye and vision care services at
regular intervals could reduce the magnitude and severity of ocular problems
associated with this industry
