To Assess the Knowledge Regarding Glaucoma among General Population

Background: The level of knowledge of glaucoma and their possible determinants in a group of people diagnosed with glaucoma and in a population based group without glaucoma. Studies performed on the prevalence of glaucoma have reported a high proportion of undiagnosed patients. Late diagnosis is related to increased risk of glaucoma associated with visual impairment and disability. Lack of awareness and non-availability of appropriate screening procedures are among the major reasons for non-diagnosis or late diagnosis of glaucoma. The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the level of awareness about glaucoma among the general population.

Objective: 1. To assess the knowledge regarding glaucoma among general population. 2. To find an association between the level of knowledge with selected socio demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in selected hospital. Descriptive research approach was used in this study. Hundred people in the general population were selected for the study. Structured knowledge questionnaire was used to collect the data.

Results: The show that 1 (1%) had poor level of knowledge, 27(27%) were having an average level of knowledge. Fifty seven percent (57%) had a good level of knowledge, fifth teen present 15 (15%) had very good knowledge. None exhibited excellent level of knowledge. The minimum score was 3 and the maximum score was 12, with the mean score for the test being 7.61 ±1.814 and mean percentage of knowledge was 50.73%.