ABSTRACT
Glaucoma is a group of Optic nerve diseases which results in severe visual impairment and loss of function. While Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG) is a progressive optic neuropathy that mimics primary open-angle glaucoma, but lacks the findings of elevated intraocular pressure, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) basically has to do with elevated intraocular pressure. Another type is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (PACG) is a disease in which the angle is closed but the intraocular pressure may or may not be high and the optic nerve is not affected yet. Symptoms of PACG include eye pain, blurry vision, redness, haloes around lights, nausea and/or vomiting. The aim of this study is to determine the level of awareness and knowledge of the Glaucomas and the types of glaucoma among participants of a 2-day eye outreach programme. The study was a cross-sectional survey. Data, collected by means of a structured questionnaire, included participants’ demographic details, and awareness, knowledge and ocular status as regards glaucoma. Publicity for the outreach was created through handbills, posters, different hospital staff and the primary health centre in the community. Data analysis was by Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version .22.0. Associations between participants’ demographic and other details were tested using Pearson’s test, and a p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Participants had Snellen’s visual acuity measurement, optic disc assessment, blood pressure and blood sugar measurement. Participants with visual acuity of worse than 6/12 or suspicious optic discs had detailed examination including Goldmann applanation tonometry and fundus photography. This study included 447 participants of which women were 291 (65.1%) in number while men were 156 (34.9%) in number. Awareness, knowledge and proportion of people with glaucoma in the study population were 45%, 34.8% and 4.7% respectively. Awareness was significantly associated with attainment of some formal education, awareness of a positive family history and awareness of Glaucoma leading to blindness. The mass media was the most common information source. Good knowledge level was significantly associated with higher educational attainment and occupation, whereas proportion of people with glaucoma was significantly associated with increasing age.Community outreach programmes that spread across the study area should be carried out more often in order to screen people in the community and to offer qualitative treatment and awareness can also be improved by sensitization programmes with suitable content for the target population through effective means such as the mass media.
Keywords: Glaucoma, Awareness, Knowledge.
