Abstract:
Background: Ocular allergy is a growing public health problem that greatly impacts the day-to-day life of sufferers
and their families. Other aspects of their activities of daily living such as schooling, professional, and social life are
affected hence an increased awareness and knowledge of ocular allergies, their detection and treatment is paramount.
This study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of ocular allergy among undergraduate students of
public universities in Ghana.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among 1000 students from three selected public
universities in Ghana. Each respondent completed a questionnaire that had questions concerning awareness
and knowledge of ocular allergy.
Results: Out of the 1000 students, 347 (34.7 %) were aware of ocular allergy. Of these 347 students, the level
of knowledge of ocular allergy was generally low. Majority of the students had their source of information about ocular
allergy from the media and the internet. There was statistical significant association among awareness of ocular allergy,
sources of information and programme of study (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Level of awareness among university students is generally low. Students’ programmes of study influenced
their knowledge of ocular allergy. Public health measures are recommended to help educate students on the prevention
and control of ocular allergy as well as the complications associated with this condition.
