Posters
Glaucoma awareness and knowledge in patients attending Ophthalmology OPD at a tertiary center in central India
Poster Details
First Author: A. Shrivastava INDIA
Co Author(s): D. Verma K. Singh S. Mushriff
Abstract Details
Purpose:
To evaluate the awareness and knowledge about glaucoma in patients attending the Ophthalmology outpatient department (OPD) at a tertiary center in Central India.
Setting:
Tertiary care teaching hospital in central India
Methods:
The study was conducted over a period of six months from January to June 2015 at Ophthalmology OPD. A pre-prepared questionnaire was given to all participants between the ages of 40-70 years, which included participant’s socio demographic profile, awareness of glaucoma, knowledge about glaucoma and the usefulness of awareness raising strategies. The data was then analyzed.
Results:
Total number of participants were 500, out of which 337 (67.4%) were aware and 163 (32.6%) were unaware about glaucoma. Among aware participants 148 (44%) had knowledge while 189 (56%) were not having knowledge / poor knowledge of glaucoma. Only 36% of aware participants know that glaucoma is a blinding condition. Percentage of population screened for glaucoma was found to be more among knowledgeable (49%) as compared to aware participants (23%). Mass media was found to be effective awareness raising strategy (59%). Public places were found to be the best suited places (45%) for providing awareness raising health care material.
Conclusions:
Public awareness of this almost silent disease may play a significant role in seeking timely treatment. However, only spreading the awareness about glaucoma is not sufficient to prevent blindness but, people need to be informed and educated about the disease.
An aware and knowledgeable person is in a good position to inform others about glaucoma screening programme and to utilize screening services provided by eye care personnel. This could diminish the morbidity, personal and economic burden of the disease.
Financial Disclosure:
NONE
