Glaucoma Awareness, Knowledge, and Self-care practices among Health-care Professionals in Central India: A Questionnaire-based Study

Abstract

Objective:The objective of the study was to assess the level of glaucoma awareness, knowledge, and self-care practices among health-care professionals at a medical college in Central India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based observational study was carried out at Durg, Chhattisgarh, India, over a period of 2 months from February 2019 to April 2019. The study included 166 consenting adult health-care professionals -clinicians (excluding ophthalmologists), non-clinical doctors, and paramedical staff. Responses to a structured questionnaire covering various aspects of glaucoma knowledge and selfpractice were obtained with a face-to-face interview. Data were reported and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: One hundred and fifty-four (93%) participants had heard of glaucoma. Of these, 12 members left the questionnaire incomplete and were excluded (response rate 92%). Mean age of respondents was 35 ± 9.81 years. Respondents included 42 clinicians, 48 non-clinical doctors, and 52 paramedical staff. The knowledge about association of glaucoma with raised intraocular pressure (81%) was better than optic nerve damage (64%). Majority of the participants had knowledge that increasing age (76%) and family history (76%) were risk factors for glaucoma. Most paramedics were mistaken of digital screen usage (P = 0.004), prolonged reading (P = 0.01), and stress (P = 0.012) causing glaucoma. About 25% thought that glaucoma is painful and 37% opined that central vision deteriorates earlier (P < 0.01). Only 19% had undertaken glaucoma screening for themselves. Conclusion: The study revealed unsatisfactory knowledge and deficient self-care practices concerning glaucoma among healthcare personnel including clinicians. This highlights the need to sensitize all cadres of medical staff to promote knowledge of this irreversible disease activating timely screening and adequate management for preventive ophthalmic care.

An interventional study on awareness, knowledge and services provided for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma by optometrists in primary healthcare centre of Kolar district

“…In a study on 154 involving 42 clinicians, 48 non-clinical doctors, and 52 paramedical staff the knowledge about association of glaucoma with raised intraocular pressure (81%) was better than optic nerve damage (64%). 12 In a similar study by Nageeb and Kulkarni in South India, about 8% health professionals had not heard of the term, all of them being paramedical staff. 13 There was a major lacunae in the knowledge regarding the understanding of the disease.…”

Tackling the Silent Thief of Sight: Assessing Glaucoma Awareness, Knowledge, and Risk of Prevalence in Karachi

“…Glaucoma affects an estimated 76 million people worldwide, a startlingly high number of people. This figure is expected to rise to 111.8 million by 2025, which is a sobering illustration of the disease's unrelenting advance (3,4). The prevalence of glaucoma is highest in poorer nations because there is still a lack of access to high-quality eye care.…”

“…The prevalence of glaucoma is highest in poorer nations because there is still a lack of access to high-quality eye care. For example, glaucoma causes almost 20% of blindness in Pakistan and leaves a path of destruction in its wake (4,5).…”