Glaucoma knowledge of patients in Abjuba, Nigeria

Abstract

Glaucoma is a major public health problem and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Many patients present late for medical attention when the eye condition is already advanced, possibly due to lack of knowledge about glaucoma (Cook, 2009:126). The purpose of the study was to assess the level of knowledge about glaucoma amongst patients attending the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) staff eye clinic in Abuja. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on adult CBN staff members and their eligible dependents. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 145 respondents. Data on demographics and knowledge about glaucoma were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Validity was assured by using questions from various instruments used in similar studies to formulate the multiple choice questions. Test re-test reliability was done to assess the stability and consistency of the tool. Data were analysed with a statistician's help using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square analysis was used to test for relationships between knowledge of glaucoma and demographic factors. A two-tailed p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of 145 respondents, 74.5% (n = 108) claimed they had heard about glaucoma but only 14.5% (n = 21) had knowledge of glaucoma. Glaucoma knowledge was inadequate and independent of age, gender, ethnicity and educational level. Recommendations include that enhanced health education about glaucoma should be provided to all CBN staff members. More knowledge about glaucoma should enable CBN staff members to obtain timely treatment for glaucoma, thus preventing blindness. Based on the research findings, an information pamphlet was developed.