Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice and the Prevalence of Eye Conditions Among Commercial Fish Smokers in Abuesi, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Traditional fish smoking in Abuesi, Ghana, exposes workers, primarily women, to significant health risks due to prolonged smoke inhalation. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning safe smoking methods. It examines the prevalence of eye conditions among these fish smokers to assess their awareness of health risks and document the impact of extended exposure to smoke. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 320 fish smokers from Abuesi. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews and detailed eye examinations. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression models, were used to explore relationships between exposure duration and health outcomes. Results: Most participants were women, mostly between the ages of 30 and 65. While nearly 90% were aware of the health risks linked to smoke exposure, fewer than 30% followed recommended safety practices, which shows a significant gap between what they knew and what they did. Many self-reported health concerns, including mild vision problems (about 22%), moderate impairments (just under 2%), and even cases of blindness (around 3%) were reported. Other frequently mentioned symptoms included breathing difficulties (66%), persistent headaches (58%), and eye irritation (49%). Importantly, the analysis showed that participants with greater awareness were 21% more likely to take safety precautions and 13% less likely to suffer from eye conditions, suggesting that knowledge does have a protective effect when it is acted upon. Conclusion: The study highlights a critical disparity between knowledge and the implementation of safety measures among fish smokers in Abuesi. The results underscore the need for targeted educational programs and intervention strategies to reduce health risks among traditional fish smokers.