摘要
AIM:To explore levels and determinants of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma among patients.METHODS:This was a cross-sectional study that included adult patients from October to the end of December 2018.A semi-structured questionnaire was designed by the researchers to measure the levels of awareness and knowledge about 18 basic information about glaucoma.The sheet was divided into 4 domains:types of glaucoma,risk factors,clinical features,and management.A knowledge score(KS,range=0-18)was calculated,with higher scores indicating higher levels.RESULTS:A total of 383 patients responded to the questionnaire,61.9%males,mean±SD age was 38.5±12.94 years old,and 61.6%had a university degree or higher.Of them,6.3%and 23.2%reported personal and family history of glaucoma,respectively.The most frequently reported source of information about glaucoma was another person with glaucoma(28.2%),followed by physicians(24.8%)and TV(19.6%).Knowledge by item ranged from 3.1%to 82.5%correctness rate,while KS showed mean=5.91 and median=5;and reliability testing of the knowledge scale showed Cronbach’s alpha=0.782.Higher KS were found among respondents with higher educational level(P=0.036),diabetes history(P=0.025),and personal(P<0.001)and family(P<0.001)history of glaucoma.CONCLUSION:This study reveals low awareness and knowledge levels about glaucoma among the attendees of a local eye care hospital,where several misconceptions about disease risk factors,clinical features,and management are identified.
