Perception of risk for glaucoma and eye screening behaviour among rural residents in Abokobi, Accra
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Date
2015-04-17
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University of Ghana
Abstract
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.
Description
School of social sciences colloquium
Keywords
glaucoma, eye screening, blindness, disease