Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences
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Item Perception of risk for glaucoma and eye screening behaviour among rural residents in Abokobi, Accra(University of Ghana, 2015-04-17) De-Gaulle, V.F.; Dako-Gyeke, P.Glaucoma is the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness. Although, it shows no signs or symptoms until later stages, knowledge about the disease is known to influence utilization of eye screening services. This study aimed at understanding knowledge about glaucoma, perception of risk and eye screening behaviour among residents of Abokobi. This was a cross-sectional study that employed quantitative data collection methods. A questionnaire was used to conduct interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge about glaucoma. Also, associations between socio-demographic factors and awareness, perception of risk, and eye screening behaviour were analysed using Chi-square test or Univariate Fisher's exact test. Out of a total of 300 respondents, 60.3% were females and 39.3% were aware of glaucoma. Majority (94.9%) of respondents who were aware of glaucoma also agreed the disease can result in blindness with only 26.3% affirming that blindness from glaucoma is irreversible. Nearly half (49.7%) of the respondents perceived themselves to be at risk of developing glaucoma. The results showed that age (p <0.0001) was statistically significant with glaucoma awareness and education was also statistically significant with perception of risk. Approximately, 20.7% of the respondents have had their eye screened with just a few (4.3%) screening for glaucoma. Given that the findings display inadequate knowledge about glaucoma and poor eye screening behaviour among the study population, there is need to effectively inform and educate people about the disease.