Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among nonglaucoma patients attending a tertiary eye care service in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide; however, awareness and knowledge about the disease remain low in Nigeria. Heightened awareness and knowledge may improve the chance of early case detection among at risk persons as well as improve the health-seeking behaviors of the general adult population. Objectives: To assess the level of glaucoma awareness and knowledge among nonglaucoma patients presenting at an eye care facility with a view to identifying knowledge gaps that will form the basis for instituting educational interventions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary center in Southeast Nigeria. Data on demographics, glaucoma awareness, and knowledge were obtained using interview administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17 and summarized using mean, frequencies, and standard deviations. Associations between glaucoma awareness and covariates were evaluated with Pearson’s Chi-square, correlation, and multivariable regression. A P value < 0.05 was adjudged statistically significant. Results: A total of 127 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 53 ± 0.8 years. Males were 22 (17.3%) while females were 105 (82.7%). Majority of the participants (n = 104, 82.5%) were aware of glaucoma, 7 (5.9%) had a family history of glaucoma. In addition, 62.2% had a glaucoma knowledge score of 70%. A significant association was found between education and knowledge of glaucoma (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Glaucoma awareness was high among nonglaucoma patients; however, there were identified knowledge misconceptions. Educational interventions specifically aimed at improving glaucoma knowledge are expected to address identified gaps and misconceptions.

Keywords

• glaucoma
• glaucoma awareness
• glaucoma knowledge
• misconceptions