Guardian Knowledge in Primary Congenital Glaucoma: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Précis: Guardian education level and frequency of surgical interventions are key determinants of knowledge in primary congenital glaucoma, highlighting the need for targeted educational strategies. Background: Management of congenital glaucoma poses unique challenges, particularly concerning the patient guardians’ understanding of the condition, which is crucial for treatment adherence and follow-up compliance. This study aimed to assess guardians’ knowledge levels and identify the influencing factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 103 guardians of pediatric patients with PCG. Participants with missing data were excluded from the study. The participants were assessed using a 20-question survey covering various aspects of glaucoma. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: The sample included 96 guardians, primarily females (80.2%). The children’s ages varied significantly, averaging approximately 44 months (SD = 39.8). The guardians predominantly had secondary education (34.4%) and most were housewives (77.1%). There was a positive correlation between higher education levels and the overall knowledge score of guardians (P = 0.006). Similarly, the guardian’s locality showed a positive correlation with knowledge scores, with urban guardians having higher scores than rural guardians. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the number of surgical operations performed on the child and the guardians’ knowledge. For the subtotals, variables such as the child order among siblings and age of the child showed significant positive correlations, emphasizing the multifaceted influences on guardians’ understanding. In the multivariate analysis, the guardian’s education level showed a significant positive correlation for the Overall Score, as did the number of operations performed on the patient. Conclusions: The study revealed gaps in guardian knowledge, irrespective of educational level or other demographic factors. Guardians’ education level and the number of operations performed on the child are critical determinants of guardians’ understanding of congenital glaucoma. Traditional approaches to educational interventions may require re-evaluation, and there is a pressing need for targeted educational interventions.