An assessment of trichiasis surgery workforce in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Purpose: To compare the trichiasis surgery workforce in Jigawa state with the World Health Organization recommendations for surgical technique, training and equipment supply; and to explore the self-reported challenges faced by the lid surgeons in the recruitment and management of trichiasis patients. Methodology: All available trichiasis surgeons in the state were given questionnaires to complete with information about their training, management of trichiasis, difficulties faced in their practice, surgical equipment; and perceived barriers to uptake of trichiasis surgery. Results: Fifteen surgeons evaluated, all were males with a mean age of 43.7 years (±8.6 years), with an average of three surgeons per zone. Nine of the surgeons could perform both BLTR and Trabut operation, four could do only Trabut while two did only BLTR. All had formal training and certification, except two who trained on the job. Only surgeons whose first training was at least 8 years prior to the study had been retrained. T...