Kindness Charles - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Kindness Charles
Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association , 2023
Original Article https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jnoa.v26i1.6 Factors Associated with Readership of Jo... more Original Article https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jnoa.v26i1.6 Factors Associated with Readership of Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association - A Cross-sectional Study of Nigerian Optometrists. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong1, Godwin Ovenseri-Ogbomo2,3, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu4, Augustine Ugochukwu Akujobi5, Kindness Charles6, Philips Ifeanyichukwu Ebisike7,8, Kelechi Mezu-Nnabue9, Udo Ubani10, Ikenna Ejinkeonye11, Ogechi Nwokedi12, Eki Oghre13, Nwakaego Ikoro14 1 Department of Public Health, University of Calabar, Nigeria. 2 Department of Optometry, Centre for Health Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK 3 School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK. 4 Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst NSW, Australia 5 Department of Optometry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. 7 Department of Optometry, College of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University Kano (BUK) 8 Department of Ophthalmology Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria. 6 Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria. 9 Optometry Director, Aqua Vision Care LLC, Professor, Strayer University. 10 Dept of Optometry, Abia State University Uturu. 11 Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka, Nigeria. 12 Pro-Optics LTD, 230 Muri Okusola Street Victoria Island Lagos Nigeria. 13 Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. 14 Department of Optometry, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Corresponding author: Kindness Charles Email: charles.kindness@yahoo.com Phone: 08063571598 Abstract Background: Academic journals are often the primary repositories of evidence-based practice (EBP) which is an essential component of good quality, patient-centred health care. Although medical journals shape clinical practice and decision-making, there is a backdrop of perceived reader apathy. Here, we describe the readership of the Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association (JNOA), investigate the attitudes and perceived barriers towards the JNOA. Methods: Of the 155 optometrists surveyed, aged 39.0 ± 9.8 years, 13 (8.4%) were researchers/ academics, and majority were women (n=83, 53.5%). Participants’ reading pattern, perception of the articles, suggestions on what could motivate them to read the journal articles were assessed. Chi-square test determined the association between journal readership and individual variables. Results: Although majority of the participants (90.2%) said their clinical practice was guided by evidence, 53% read a scientific article at least once a month, and only 41% (mostly younger optometrists aged 20-40years) with fewer years of practice experience read the JNOA. Those concerned about the length of the articles (67%, p=0.015) or who felt the articles lacked clinical relevance (75%, p=0.002) were less likely to read JNOA. Presentation format (electronic or hard copies) had no significant effect on readership. Participants felt that providing updates on current clinical practice, and having a continuing professional development (CPD) article in JNOA could encourage readership. Conclusion: Overall, readership of JNOA was low among members with length of articles and lack of clinical relevance perceived as barriers. Including CPD articles and sections like clinical relevance may improve readership of JNOA.
Journal of the Epidemiological Society of Nigeria., 2023
Journal of Epidemiological Society of Nigeria Vol. 6, No. 2 Dec. 2023 Association between Time S... more Journal of Epidemiological Society of Nigeria Vol. 6, No. 2 Dec. 2023 Association between Time Spent on Near Work and Myopia in Children in Calabar, Nigeria: A Case control Study. Charles K1, Ekpenyong BN2, Agbasimere SC3, Okoi EO4, Ndubueze, G5 1Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. E mail: charleskindness13@gmail.com http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1380-64202Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University Of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Email: benyita2001@yahoo.com http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3531-55773Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. E mail: stsimeone@yahoo.co.uk http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5803-679X4Department of General Studies, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Email: eddycomput@gmail.com5John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. E mail: rgodsongabriel@gmail.com Corresponding Author Kindness Charles. Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, P.M.B 1324, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Phone: +2348063571598 E mail: charleskindness13@gmail.com Abstract Background: Myopia is a refractive error of the eyes that causes blurred distance vision. Child myopia has received global attention with near work, genetics and environmental factors implicated as risk factors. This study sought to determine the association between time spent on near work activities and myopia in Children in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods:Acase-control study was conducted among children, 5-17 years old, matched by age and sex. Cases were children diagnosed with myopia and those without myopia were the controls. Eye examination was conducted to confirm refractive status and myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of ≥ -0.50D. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on near work activity. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22 and presented as odds ratios, independent t-test and Pearson's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cases spent significantly more time on near work than controls (mean = 5.93 vs 5.00 hours daily, p = 0.001). Increased time spent on near work was associated with more than twice the risk of developing myopia (Odds Ratio: 2.75; 95% CI; 1.040 - 7.292, p=0.037). There was a positive correlation between time spent on near work and myopia. This was statistically significant (r = 0.440, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study identified long time spent on near work by children as a risk factor for myopia. Giving the growing educational pressure on children in Nigeria and use of digital devices, there is need to regulate the time children spend on near work activities.
Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association , 2023
Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association Original Research Article Association between Outd... more Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association Original Research Article Association between Outdoor Play and Myopia among Children in Cross River State, Nigeria. A Case Control Study. Kindness Charles1, Bernadine N. Ekpenyong3, Simeon C. Agbasimere1, Edward O. Okoi2 1 Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. 2 Department of General Studies, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. 3 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University Of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Corresponding author: Kindness Charles Email: charles.kindness@yahoo.com Phone: 08063571598 Abstract Purpose: Myopia is a refractive error of the eyes that causes blurred distance vision. Near work, genetics and environmental factors have been implicated as risk factors in Child myopia. This study seeks to determine the association between time spent on outdoor play and myopia among children in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: It was a hospital-based case-control study conducted among 120 children (5-17 years old) selected and matched by age and sex from out-patients of the Cross River Eye Care Program. After obtaining parental consents, assent was obtained from the children before conducting comprehensive eye examinations. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of ≥-0.50D. Cases were children diagnosed with myopia and controls were those without myopia. Independent samples t-test and Spearman’s correlation were conducted and P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: Cases spent lesser time playing outdoors than controls (M = 1.95 vs 2.40 hours daily, p = 0.01). Spearman’s correlation found a statistically significant, weak, negative correlation between time spent on outdoor play and myopia [rs(118) = -0.217, p = 0.017]. Spending above 2 hours on outdoor play had an OR of 0.37 (95% CI = 0.170 - 0.816). Conclusion: In this association found between time spent on outdoor play and myopia, as time spent on outdoor play increases, myopia decreases. Increased time spent on outdoor play was a protective factor against myopia. Hence it is recommended that more awareness be created on the protective effect of outdoor play.
Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association , 2023
Original Article https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jnoa.v26i1.6 Factors Associated with Readership of Jo... more Original Article https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jnoa.v26i1.6 Factors Associated with Readership of Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association - A Cross-sectional Study of Nigerian Optometrists. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong1, Godwin Ovenseri-Ogbomo2,3, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu4, Augustine Ugochukwu Akujobi5, Kindness Charles6, Philips Ifeanyichukwu Ebisike7,8, Kelechi Mezu-Nnabue9, Udo Ubani10, Ikenna Ejinkeonye11, Ogechi Nwokedi12, Eki Oghre13, Nwakaego Ikoro14 1 Department of Public Health, University of Calabar, Nigeria. 2 Department of Optometry, Centre for Health Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK 3 School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK. 4 Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst NSW, Australia 5 Department of Optometry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. 7 Department of Optometry, College of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University Kano (BUK) 8 Department of Ophthalmology Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria. 6 Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria. 9 Optometry Director, Aqua Vision Care LLC, Professor, Strayer University. 10 Dept of Optometry, Abia State University Uturu. 11 Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka, Nigeria. 12 Pro-Optics LTD, 230 Muri Okusola Street Victoria Island Lagos Nigeria. 13 Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. 14 Department of Optometry, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Corresponding author: Kindness Charles Email: charles.kindness@yahoo.com Phone: 08063571598 Abstract Background: Academic journals are often the primary repositories of evidence-based practice (EBP) which is an essential component of good quality, patient-centred health care. Although medical journals shape clinical practice and decision-making, there is a backdrop of perceived reader apathy. Here, we describe the readership of the Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association (JNOA), investigate the attitudes and perceived barriers towards the JNOA. Methods: Of the 155 optometrists surveyed, aged 39.0 ± 9.8 years, 13 (8.4%) were researchers/ academics, and majority were women (n=83, 53.5%). Participants’ reading pattern, perception of the articles, suggestions on what could motivate them to read the journal articles were assessed. Chi-square test determined the association between journal readership and individual variables. Results: Although majority of the participants (90.2%) said their clinical practice was guided by evidence, 53% read a scientific article at least once a month, and only 41% (mostly younger optometrists aged 20-40years) with fewer years of practice experience read the JNOA. Those concerned about the length of the articles (67%, p=0.015) or who felt the articles lacked clinical relevance (75%, p=0.002) were less likely to read JNOA. Presentation format (electronic or hard copies) had no significant effect on readership. Participants felt that providing updates on current clinical practice, and having a continuing professional development (CPD) article in JNOA could encourage readership. Conclusion: Overall, readership of JNOA was low among members with length of articles and lack of clinical relevance perceived as barriers. Including CPD articles and sections like clinical relevance may improve readership of JNOA.
Journal of the Epidemiological Society of Nigeria., 2023
Journal of Epidemiological Society of Nigeria Vol. 6, No. 2 Dec. 2023 Association between Time S... more Journal of Epidemiological Society of Nigeria Vol. 6, No. 2 Dec. 2023 Association between Time Spent on Near Work and Myopia in Children in Calabar, Nigeria: A Case control Study. Charles K1, Ekpenyong BN2, Agbasimere SC3, Okoi EO4, Ndubueze, G5 1Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. E mail: charleskindness13@gmail.com http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1380-64202Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University Of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Email: benyita2001@yahoo.com http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3531-55773Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. E mail: stsimeone@yahoo.co.uk http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5803-679X4Department of General Studies, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Email: eddycomput@gmail.com5John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. E mail: rgodsongabriel@gmail.com Corresponding Author Kindness Charles. Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, P.M.B 1324, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Phone: +2348063571598 E mail: charleskindness13@gmail.com Abstract Background: Myopia is a refractive error of the eyes that causes blurred distance vision. Child myopia has received global attention with near work, genetics and environmental factors implicated as risk factors. This study sought to determine the association between time spent on near work activities and myopia in Children in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods:Acase-control study was conducted among children, 5-17 years old, matched by age and sex. Cases were children diagnosed with myopia and those without myopia were the controls. Eye examination was conducted to confirm refractive status and myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of ≥ -0.50D. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on near work activity. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22 and presented as odds ratios, independent t-test and Pearson's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cases spent significantly more time on near work than controls (mean = 5.93 vs 5.00 hours daily, p = 0.001). Increased time spent on near work was associated with more than twice the risk of developing myopia (Odds Ratio: 2.75; 95% CI; 1.040 - 7.292, p=0.037). There was a positive correlation between time spent on near work and myopia. This was statistically significant (r = 0.440, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study identified long time spent on near work by children as a risk factor for myopia. Giving the growing educational pressure on children in Nigeria and use of digital devices, there is need to regulate the time children spend on near work activities.
Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association , 2023
Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association Original Research Article Association between Outd... more Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association Original Research Article Association between Outdoor Play and Myopia among Children in Cross River State, Nigeria. A Case Control Study. Kindness Charles1, Bernadine N. Ekpenyong3, Simeon C. Agbasimere1, Edward O. Okoi2 1 Department of Dispensing Opticianry, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. 2 Department of General Studies, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. 3 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University Of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Corresponding author: Kindness Charles Email: charles.kindness@yahoo.com Phone: 08063571598 Abstract Purpose: Myopia is a refractive error of the eyes that causes blurred distance vision. Near work, genetics and environmental factors have been implicated as risk factors in Child myopia. This study seeks to determine the association between time spent on outdoor play and myopia among children in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: It was a hospital-based case-control study conducted among 120 children (5-17 years old) selected and matched by age and sex from out-patients of the Cross River Eye Care Program. After obtaining parental consents, assent was obtained from the children before conducting comprehensive eye examinations. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of ≥-0.50D. Cases were children diagnosed with myopia and controls were those without myopia. Independent samples t-test and Spearman’s correlation were conducted and P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: Cases spent lesser time playing outdoors than controls (M = 1.95 vs 2.40 hours daily, p = 0.01). Spearman’s correlation found a statistically significant, weak, negative correlation between time spent on outdoor play and myopia [rs(118) = -0.217, p = 0.017]. Spending above 2 hours on outdoor play had an OR of 0.37 (95% CI = 0.170 - 0.816). Conclusion: In this association found between time spent on outdoor play and myopia, as time spent on outdoor play increases, myopia decreases. Increased time spent on outdoor play was a protective factor against myopia. Hence it is recommended that more awareness be created on the protective effect of outdoor play.