A survey on ocular nutritional supplement among adults: A cross-sectional study in the new Juaben south municipality, Ghana

To determine the knowledge, awareness and use of ocular nutritional supplements (ONS) among adults in the New Juaben South Municipality, Ghana. Exploratory, clinic-based cross-sectional study. Two hundred and eighteen (218) adults aged ≥40 years were recruited using a convenience sampling technique as they presented for care. This approach was intended to characterize beliefs among clinic-attending adults rather than to generate population-representative estimates. Participants completed a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge regarding ONS components and benefits, awareness of products, and self-reported usage. Primary outcomes included the prevalence of knowledge, awareness, and use, with the statistical association between demographic variables (age, gender, ethnicity, education) and outcomes analyzed using Chi-square tests. The mean age was 52.9 ± 9.5 years; 55% were female, and 45% were male. A majority (64.7%) reported no knowledge of ONS, while 35.3% reported some knowledge (58.4% basic, 39.0% average, and 2.6% expert). Awareness of nutritional supplements for eye health was reported by 48.0% of respondents, primarily from healthcare professionals. ONS use was reported by 19.7% of participants, while 80.3% reported no prior or current use. Among users, 76.7% reported a perceived subjective benefit from ONS for their intended purpose. Self-reported adverse effects were uncommon, with 97.7% of users reporting none. Educational attainment was significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.001), awareness (p < 0.001), and use (p = 0.007). Adults aged ≥40 years attending eye clinics in the New Juaben South Municipality had limited knowledge and awareness of ONS, with low utilization. These findings support the clinical relevance of ONS in ocular conditions where there is a demonstrated benefit, and highlight the need for educational interventions promoting appropriate, evidence-based use rather than routine supplementation.