Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards glaucoma among new glaucoma patients and their first-degree relatives: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary eye care centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose Glaucoma, a disease characterized by optic nerve damage and associated visual field defects, is the main cause of irreversible loss of vision, both globally and locally. Appropriate management of glaucoma involves early diagnosis in addition to early and continuous control of the disease to protect the optic nerve from further damage. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards glaucoma among patients making their first visit to the glaucoma clinics, at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, and their first-degree relatives. Methods This cross-sectional study used self-administered questionnaires. Informed consent was obtained prior to questionnaire distribution. The questionnaire included four sections on sociodemographic data, and awareness, and KAP towards glaucoma. Results Overall, 120 participants were included in our study: 70 (58.3%) were glaucoma patients and 50 (41.7%) were first-degree relatives. Forty-four (62.9%) participants in the patient group and 39 (78%) in the relative group were men. Thirty-four (48.6%) patients were aged 41–65 years, whereas 41 (82%) relatives were aged 18–40 years. Thirty-six patients (52.2%) and 35 relatives (70%) had heard of the term ‘glaucoma’. The correct definition of glaucoma was selected by only 12 participants (17.1%) in the patient group and 4 (8.2%) in the relative group. Living outside the central region of Saudi Arabia and having a negative systemic medical history were associated with poorer knowledge of glaucoma definition (p < 0.05). Although 84.8% of patients believed that compliance with anti-glaucoma medications helps in disease control, only 22.7% reported good compliance. The correct method of instilling eye drops was stated by 43.9% of the patients, and good hospital visit habits were reported by 53.03%. Eighty percent of glaucoma patients strongly recommended that their first-degree relatives be screened for glaucoma. Conclusion Knowledge about glaucoma is still limited, and awareness programs need to be further activated to spread correct knowledge about the nature of glaucoma, the importance of compliance with treatment, the correct method of instilling eye drops, and the significance of screening at-risk individuals. Patient families should also be involved in educational programs.