The relationship of health beliefs and prevention behaviours of Greek individuals with family history of glaucoma

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Since glaucoma is a serious, progressive and leading to blindness eye disease, a study based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) scale was conducted, in order to identify the relationship of health beliefs and prevention behaviour among Greek blood relative individuals diagnosed with glaucoma. Methods A correlation study using the HBM framework was undertaken.498 Greek subjects of both genders, from two urban and two rural health centres with mean age of 46, 86 ± 13,49 years participated in this study. A 15‐item HBM glaucoma questionnaire in Greek language, with responses recorded on 5‐point Likert scale was used as a reserce tool.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Only 42% of the participants were aware of glaucoma complications and its risk factors. However, few subjects practiced preventive measures because of lack of perceived seriousness of glaucoma and lack of perceived susceptibility to complications. There were statistically significant correlations (p<0.05) between prevention behaviours and perceived severity, susceptibility and barriers, between subject’s education level and perceived severity and susceptibility as well as between subject’s angle closure type of glaucoma and severity. There was no significant correlation between health beliefs and gender, occupation, residence or social security status. Conclusion Lack of information and education about glaucoma was evidenced. Information generated from this social cognition model could be a useful tool to set future educational programs that address those beliefs, attitudes and behaviours so as to promote preventive health behaviour for glaucoma among the relatives and the general population.