Abstract
Original Research Article
Full Article (FREE DOWNLOAD)
SMJS Volume 3 Issue 2, Page 33- Page 43
BEHAVIORS, ATTITUDES AND CONCERNS TOWARD CONTACT LENS WEAR AND CARE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE WESTERN REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA.
Rahaf Adel Afandi, Afnan Fadhel Aljawi, Aaesha Abdulwahab Alkayyal, Rawabi Ahmed Albeladi, Sarah Ayedh Almatrafi, Hanan Mustafa Makhdoum
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a global pandemic. Several reports provided conflicting recommendations regarding contact lens use during this pandemic, which could affect compliance with contact lens wear and care. Therefore, this study aims to identify the effect of the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on behaviors, attitudes, and concerns of contact lens wearers in the western region of Saudi Arabia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to March 2022 using a pre-designed electronic questionnaire distributed through social media applications among the general population in the western region of Saudi Arabia.
RESULTS: Out of 690 participants, 98.2% were females aged 21 to 30, and 34.1% were living in Medina. The main source of information about the Coronavirus disease 2019 was social media applications. 16.5% of the participants stopped using contact lenses during the pandemic, while 42.3% reduced the frequency of their use, and 41.2% continued using them. The most common reason for contact lens discontinuation was decreased social activity participation. The most observed change in attitude was increased hand washing before lens wear. Moreover, being female, having a lower educational level, and being a contact lens user for a longer duration were associated with higher rates of continuing contact lens wear.
CONCLUSION: Most participants continued wearing contact lenses during the pandemic, and most had changed their attitudes regarding contact lens care. Eye care practitioners should be encouraged to use online educational tools to ensure compliance with lens wear and care during the pandemic.
KEYWORDS: Coronavirus disease 2019, contact lens, behaviors, attitudes, concerns.
To cite this article: Afandi RA, Aljawi AF, Alkayyal AA, Albeladi RA, Almatrafi SA, Makhdoum HM. Behaviors, Attitudes, And Concerns Toward Contact Lens Wear And Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic In The Western Region Of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J Students. 2023;3(2):33-43
