Abstract:
To determine the factors that are associated with the use
of protective eyewear (PEW) among cocoa farmers in
Ghana, a multistage random sample of 556 cocoa
farmers were recruited from four districts in the country.
A questionnaire was used to elicit information on the
use of PEW and barriers to its use among these farmers.
Only 34 (6.1%) participants reported using PEW. Being
female, old age and perception of good distance vision
was associated with lower odds of PEW use. However,
higher educational attainment, application of fertiliser
and pesticides were associated with higher odds of PEW
use. Participants cited non-availability, unaffordability
and ignorance/lack of training as the main barriers to
the use of PEW. The low use of PEW could be addressed
through ocular health education and occupational health
and safety policy initiatives.
