Hospital Based Study among Glaucoma Patients to Assess Their Knowledge Regarding Various Aspects of Glaucoma

Abstract

Introduction:Glaucoma is a chroniccondition and if not properly controlled will lead to blindness. So it is very important that patients on treatment for glaucoma should know about the course and outcome of the disease. Many patients stop the treatment because of treatment cost and also due to the prolonged treatment duration. Objectives: To find out the current level of knowledge of their disease among glaucoma patients attending a tertiary care hospital in south India.Methods: It was a cross sectional hospital-based study.Study participants included already diagnosed patients attending glaucoma clinic. A structured validated pretested questionnaire was given to collect data. The questionnaire was given to 320 patients attending glaucoma clinic during their routine visit. Grading was done based on the percentage of questions answered. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 18; (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL)Results:The mean age was 59.34 ± 8. 86years.Femaleswere more aware compared to males. Only 40% (108) of patients knew that glaucoma can cause blindness. Socioeconomic factors had significant association only with awareness of the disease.Educational status had significant association with awareness about the disease as well as the treatment received. Disease duration did not have any significant association with awareness about glaucoma.Conclusion:Determinants of knowledge about glaucoma in this study were female gender, higher socioeconomic status and higher educational levels. Even glaucoma patients who are on treatment for glaucoma did not have sufficient knowledge about their disease.