Evaluation of knowledge and awareness level of allergic conjunctivitis among people of Killa Abdullah district of Baluchistan

Abstract

BackgroundAllergic conjunctivitis is a growing health issue impacting the everyday life of patients and their families. Other characteristics of their everyday life activities such as occupational, and social life are impacted. Therefore an enhanced awareness and knowledge of allergic conjunctivitis, its diagnosis, and treatment is important. This study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level of allergic conjunctivitis among people of Killa Abdullah, Baluchistan. MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional survey was carried out among 475 respondents from Killa Abdullah, Baluchistan, Pakistan. Every respondent completed a questionnaire focused on awareness and knowledge of ocular allergy. ResultsOut of the 475 participants, 112 (23.6%) know about allergic conjunctivitis. The majority of which being students, with the knowledge level of conjunctivitis normally low. Most of the respondents had collected information mainly from media and the internet. There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge, and program of study (P<0.001). ConclusionThe overall percentage of knowledge level about allergic conjunctivitis was low. The students who attend the study program their knowledge level being influenced. Public health measures are advised for educating the population on the prevention and control of allergic conjunctivitis in addition to associated complications.