Comparative Analysis of Petrochemicals Effects on Ocular Cavity: Prevalence and Pharmaceutical Interventions in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria

²Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Samuel J Bunu, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa, Nigeria; Email: [email protected]

Received Date: 10 May, 2023

Published Date: 6 June, 2023

Citation: Onyeukwu NJ, et al. (2023). Comparative Analysis of Petrochemicals Effects on Ocular Cavity: Prevalence and Pharmaceutical Interventions in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Mathews J Pharma Sci. 7(2):20.

Copyrights: Onyeukwu NJ, et al. © (2023). 

ABSTRACT

Background: The eye provides vision, can receive and process visual detail, and enables several photo response functions. Crude oil is a mix of different chemicals; it may be irritating or cause mild to severe conditions when in contact with the eyes. Aim: the study aimed to analyze the prevalence and therapeutic interventions of ocular disorders among the two communities in Southern, Ijaw, Bayelsa, Nigeria. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to describe the ocular disorders in selected crude oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta. A sample of 400 individuals from Korokorosei (200) and Amassoma (200) communities were enlisted using the convenience sampling technique; the questionnaire was administered and retrieved after filling. Results: There was a high prevalence of ocular disorders in Korokorosei than in Amassoma, and also a majority of the respondents visited the local medicine outlet to get medication in the management of ocular disorders. Respondents from Korokorosei visit the local clinic for treatment; when they had ocular disorder (11% - always, 66% - sometimes, 23%, etc.), 22% (always). 29.5% - always, 65% - sometimes, 5.5% - rarely visit the pharmacy for necessary checks and get medication to treat eye disorders, 6.5%-always, 42%-sometimes, 34%-never visit traditional healer for herbal treatment, 18.5%-always, 52%-sometimes, 29.5%-rarely visit an eye doctor for treatment, 30.5%-always, 64%-sometimes, 5.5%-rarely indicated they make effort to handle the treatment by themselves and 24%-always, 82.5%-sometimes, 5.5%-rarely also said they buy medicines from drug sellers in vehicles and open market to handle their eye problem. Conclusion: The prevalence of ocular diseases and related problem were seen more in the oil-producing community than in the non-oil-producing community, and pharmaceutical intervention in these communities was very minimal.

Keywords: crude oil, ocular, eye, vision, prevalence, pharmaceutical care, intervention