Eye Care Practices, Knowledge and Attitude of Glaucoma Patients at Community Eye Screening Outreaches in Nigeria.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the eye care practices, knowledge and attitudes of glaucoma patients identified at community eye outreaches (CEO) in Nigeria. Methodology: This was a mixed method study. The quantitative component was a cross sectional survey of patients with suspected glaucoma identified at routine CEO in South West Nigeria. Surveys were administered by trained personnel and gathered information on knowledge and attitudes toward glaucoma. The qualitative component consisted of structured interviews with providers to assess their knowledge and perspectives of glaucoma patients’ attitudes and behaviors. Results: A total of 1881 patients were screened at 24 outreaches in South West Nigeria, among which 120 glaucoma cases/suspects were identified. Fifty-six (46.7%) of the glaucoma patients were aware of glaucoma and only 39 (32.5%) patients could answer at least one knowledge question correctly. Predictors of awareness of glaucoma were minimum of secondary school education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 9.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.18-29-92) and having had an eye check-up in the past (adjusted OR 6.22; 95% CI 1.96 – 19.78). More than half 55.8% had attended an eye outreach in the past and 34.2% did not follow up at the main hospital. Patients said cost and ‘not knowing the disease was serious’ were reasons for not following up at the main hospital. Health workers interviewed said cost and poor knowledge were the main reasons glaucoma patients frequently attended free screening outreach events rather than seeking definitive care.Conclusion: Although community eye outreaches improves access to eye care, provision of appropriate health education programs and strengthening of the health insurance scheme are needed to improve its impact in glaucoma care.