Assessment of Prevalence,determinants and Care Seeking Behaviours of Dry Eye Syndrome Amongst Commercial Drivers in Na’ibawa Motor Park Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State

Background
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is characterized by loss of homeostasis of the tear film or failure to produce sufficient amounts of tears to moisturize the eyes. The condition has been associated with several preventable risk factors
Objective
The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, determinants and care seeking behavior of dry eye syndrome amongst commercial drivers in Na’ibawa motor park in Kano metropolis.
Method
One hundred and forty four (144) commercial drivers were enrolled in a cross-sectional study ,Ocular Surface disease index (OSDI) score was used to assess the prevalence of DES using the OSDI structured questionnaire. Comprehensive analysis of data using IBM SPSS version 25 was done. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Result
One hundred and forty four (144) responses were analysed, mean ages was 46.2 years youngest participant was 22 and the oldest being 70 years 100% were all males. From the OSDI score, the overall prevalence was found to be 57% based on severity, mild cases were 3.5%, moderate 27.1% and severe 26.4%.significant determinants of dry eye syndrome in this study were, age (p=0.003), years of driving (p=0.001) , exposure to air condition and heat (p=0.001) and medications (p=0.001) only 41.5% of drivers affected with DES actually sought care.
Conclusion
DES is common in our environment and drivers are at special risk of developing severe disease as compared to general population due to their prolonged exposure to the stress, ageing, medication and environment.
Key words Dry eye syndrome, cross-sectional, commercial drivers, prevalence ,determinants, care.