Abstract

 
 
 
 Aim: To evaluate the awareness about glaucoma among adults and its related health problems in Jeddah, Western region of Saudi Arabia and to assess the relationship between the awareness and knowledge about glaucoma across the socio-demographic characteristics. This will help to develop educational and screening programs of glaucoma which could help in early detection and diagnosis of the disease therefore reducing its sight threatening outcomes.
 Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study which included a sample of 608 adults in June 2019. Participants took part filling in the online multiple choice sociodemographic and glaucoma awareness questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.3 years ±11.4 with (59.2%) males and (40.8%) females. The majority of the respondents 70.9% were single and the majority had a bachelor's degree. Overall, 66.3% of the participants had knowledge about glaucoma, whereas 33.7% had no previous knowledge about glaucoma. Significant association between higher educational level and awareness of glaucoma was (P= 0.024). Females and age group (?40) also showed significant associations with glaucoma awareness (P= <0.0001 and P= <0.0001 respectively). 58% of the aware group suffering from glaucoma and 36% have a family history or relatives diagnosed with glaucoma. High IOP and old age were the main risk factors chosen by the participants (74.2% and 72.5% respectively). The majority of the aware group reported that glaucoma can result in blindness and could be preventable.
 Conclusion: Assessing the glaucoma awareness in this study, the outcomes showed that majority had good knowledge of glaucoma. Larger surveys which include all cities of the country are suggested to assess the level of awareness and helps in establishing a proper educational and screening programs. 
 
 
 
 
Highlights
Glaucoma is a condition affecting the optic nerve
Our findings resemble Al-Lahim et al 2018 report in Tabuk, northwestern of Saudi Arabia, in which 67.5% of participants had a knowledge of the disease [14].in other international studies, 65.5% of a study sample in Southeast Nigeria demonstrated a high level of awareness [15]
This parallels the results of Rewri and Kakkar’s study in rural India [18], but differs from several studies, in which the participants selected an ophthalmologist (69%), the internet (46%), or mass media (35.4%) as their source of information [9,17,18]. This particular result in the study could be due to a high incidence of glaucoma or diabetes in Saudi Arabia; diabetes is a possible predecessor to glaucoma, which might lead to a high rate of exposure to people with glaucoma
Summary
Glaucoma is a condition affecting the optic nerve. It usually occurs when fluid builds up in the anterior chamber, which elevates the intraocular pressure (IOP) and damage the optic nerve [1]. Glaucoma progression is closely related to elevation in the IOP [2]. Being aware about glaucoma can increase the chance of identifying undetected cases, as glaucoma advances gradually, with few or no recognizable symptoms in the early stage [7,8]. This Mindfulness about glaucoma and other eye diseases, as well as the appropriate treatment and the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
