AWARENESS OF GLAUCOMA RISK FACTORS AMONG ADULTS ABOVE 40 YEARS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Abstract
Background: Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve and remains one of the major causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. The disease often develops without noticeable symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Awareness regarding glaucoma risk factors, family history, and the importance of routine eye examinations plays an important role in early detection and prevention of vision loss.
Objective: To assess public awareness regarding glaucoma, its silent progression, family history risk, and need for regular eye checkups. The study will identify misconceptions and knowledge gaps. It may support targeted glaucoma awareness campaigns.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) study was conducted among 250 adults aged 40 years and above at the Ophthalmology Department of a Tertiary Hospital, Quetta. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, glaucoma awareness, risk factor knowledge, attitudes toward eye screening, and preventive practices. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and association tests were applied.
Results: Among the participants, 69.6% had heard about glaucoma; however, only 28.8% demonstrated good overall knowledge regarding the disease. Awareness was highest regarding increasing age as a risk factor (72%), while knowledge about family history and other associated risk factors remained limited. Although most participants believed that regular eye examinations were important, fewer participants reported undergoing routine eye screening. Educational status showed a significant association with glaucoma knowledge levels.
Conclusion: The study highlights important gaps in glaucoma-related knowledge among adults above 40 years. Improving community awareness regarding silent disease progression, hereditary risk, and preventive eye examinations may support early diagnosis and reduce glaucoma-related blindness.
Keywords
- Glaucoma; Knowledge Attitude Practice; Awareness; Risk Factors; Adults Above 40 Years; Eye Screening; Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma; Blindness Prevention; Quetta; Pakistan.
Views & Downloads Statistics (Last 12 Months)
Monthly performance and trends of article views and downloads
