Abstract

PurposeHeightened public awareness about glaucoma may increase the chance of identifying undetected cases. To ascertain determinants of glaucoma awareness, we surveyed a population visiting a general eye clinic. DesignCross-sectional study. Participants1197 general eye clinic patients and their companions. MethodsWe designed and administered a questionnaire about glaucoma to general eye clinic patients and their companions. We created multivariate logistic regression models to ascertain the effect of demographic and clinical features on the likelihood of being unaware of glaucoma. Main outcome measuresAdjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals of survery attributes associated with self-perceived unfamiliarity with glaucoma. ResultsGlaucoma awareness overall (72%) approached that found in the subgroup self-reporting a diagnosis of glaucoma (80%). Survey attributes associated with an increased likelihood of being unaware of glaucoma were African American race (OR = 1.69 [1.28–2.20], Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 2.13 [1.46–3.02]), and less than a college education (OR = 1.67 [1.37–2.05]). Age was also a determinant of glaucoma awareness (for ages 50–64 years, OR = 0.60 [0.44–0.80] and for ages 65–79 years, OR = 0.56 [0.41–0.75] compared with ages less than 35 years). A self-report of glaucoma was not a determinant of glaucoma awareness (OR = 0.63 [0.33–1.17]), although there was a trend toward enhanced glaucoma awareness in this subgroup. Finally, respondents with a history of employment in the health field (OR = 0.63 [0.49–0.82]) myopia (OR = 0.68 [0.56–0.82]), glaucoma in a first-degree relative (OR = 0.68 [0.53–0.87]), and respondents who reported having a dilated eye examination (OR = 0.53 [0.42–0.66]) were less likely to be unaware of glaucoma than those who did not have these attributes. ConclusionsAlthough glaucoma awareness in this population was high, Hispanics, African Americans, and those with less than a college education were more likely to be unfamiliar with the disease. Interestingly, a self-report of having glaucoma was not a statistically significant determinant of glaucoma awareness.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.