Knowledge and attitude for eye diseases and satisfaction for services among urban citizens of Oman: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: The eye health care program, Ministry of Health of Oman conducted a pilot survey of Omani people that visited the eye health stall. It was organized on the World Health Day on 7 th April 2005 in Muscat, Oman. The survey aimed at identifying the level of knowledge of blinding eye diseases and the satisfaction among community for the eye services at government hospitals. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study. 156 Omani citizens of more than 12 years of age were given a close ended questionnaire. Their self reported responses were collected. Six questions related to cataract, diabetic retinopathy, refractive error, blindness, home treatment, rehabilitation of visually impaired and perception of eye services at Ministry of Health hospitals were asked with three grades of responses to choose from. Results: The knowledge about cataract and diabetic retinopathy was found to be good in more than 70% of respondents. 35% of participants agreed for home treatment of minor eye ailments. The importance of using visual aids and the need to give special facilities for the visually impaired was positive in 85%. Two thirds of the respondents were satisfied with type of eye services. Association of knowledge and satisfaction to the gender and age group was not conclusive. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding cataract surgery and blindness due to diabetes, attitude towards use of spectacles, perceived need for visual rehabilitation and satisfaction with eye care services was positive in more than 60% of the interviewed people in this pilot study. A larger study representing Omani population is recommended.

Keywords

• Patient satisfaction
• health promotion
• eye care
• VISION 2020