Awareness of eye health and diseases among the population of the hilly region of Nepal

Abstract

Purpose:To collect information regarding awareness and knowledge of eye health and diseases among the population of the hilly region of Nepal.Methods:In a population-based survey, 1834 participants were enrolled in to the study. Field procedures included the development of a survey questionnaire, field orientation, pretesting, and household data collection. Association between knowledge of eye diseases was derived using the Chi-square test and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant.Results:Most participants were 31–40 years old (33.4%), female (51.1%), of upper caste (43.4%), Hindus (83.3%), received secondary level of education (34.4%), and involved in agriculture (48.6%). Awareness of cataract, night blindness, glaucoma, strabismus, and systemic diseases was 74.6%, 53.4%, 17.4%, 70.8%, and 46.5%, respectively. Knowledge regarding these diseases among those aware was 39.1%, 72.2%, 50.9%, and 92.3%, respectively. Awareness of cataract was significantly higher (88.4%) among higher caste groups (P < 0.001; OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 3.34–5.54), followed by business as an occupation (88.2%; P = 0.001; OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.44–4.9). Awareness of night blindness was significantly higher among students (72.6%; P < 0.001; OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.65–3.67).Conclusion:There was a general lack of awareness and knowledge of common eye diseases. Improved awareness and knowledge are required for the prevention, early treatment, and access to eye care.

Knowledge about cataract and associated factors among adults in Yirgalem town, Sidama National Regional State, southern Ethiopia, 2020: a community based cross sectional study design

“…This study result showed that, participants with an educational level of completed primary and high school and above were 2.3 and 5.5 times more likely of having a good knowledge as compared to those who do not have formal education. This study finding is similar with a study report from Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia [ 12 ], Hilly Region of Nepal [ 16 ] and Southwest Nigeria [ 22 ]. This might explain that individuals with higher educational level would read more and use social media so they would become more knowledgeable.…”

“…This finding was consistent with a study conducted in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia, 61.7% [ 12 ]. However, this study finding was lower as compared with other studies; 74.6% in Nepal [ 16 ], 87% in rural Peru [ 17 ], 74% Iran [ 18 ], and 70.9% China [ 6 ]. This difference might be due to the variation of the technological advancement of the country, implementation of the health care strategy and the better socio-economic development of the communities.…”

Knowledge and Associated Factors About Cataract Among Adults in Northeast Ethiopia

“…Similarly, this finding is also higher than the findings found in Ghana (4.40%) [13] and the hilly region of Nepal (39.1%) [20]. This contrariety might be due to the variation of the cut point used to grade the good knowledge and educational status of the participants.…”

Awareness Regarding Primary Eye Care Among Primary Healthcare Workers of Pakistan: a Way to Revitalize Health for All!

“…The validity of questionnaire was checked before starting data collection by performing a pilot study on LHW. Questionnaire was adapted from two articles: Knowhow of Primary eye care among Health Extension Workers in Southern Ethopia 7 and Awareness of eye health and diseases among the population of the Hilly region of Nepal 8 and some questions were made after reading the components of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Blindness (Punjab, Pakistan). 3 Validity was checked for English version with the help of subject specialist.…”