Knowledge and Myths about Glaucoma Among Staff of a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital in South East Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report the myths and knowledge about glaucoma among workers in a tertiary hospital in South-East Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a crosssectional study among staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. One hundred and one participants were selected by systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on their sociodemographic characteristics as well as their knowledge and myths about glaucoma. Statistical analyses were done using Chi-square test. P value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Ninety-nine of the 101 participants completed the questionnaire. Majority (52%) were older than 40 years of age. Approximately 72% were non-health professionals and 78.2% attained tertiary level of education. About 88% of the respondents knew that glaucoma could lead to blindness; 83% knew that it can be caused by high pressure in the eye. Almost two-thirds of the respondents knew that glaucoma can occur without symptoms. Although 75.2% did not
attribute glaucoma to be a family curse, 66.3% were aware that glaucoma can be inherited. The proportion of respondents who reported that glaucoma can be cured was 57.4%. Old age, diabetes, and hypertension were identified as risk factors in a majority of respondents (78.2%, 78.2%, and 82.2% respectively).

Conclusion: Although the study showed a high level of knowledge of glaucoma and its risk factors amongst the workers, creating a stronger knowledge base on the disease, early presentation, and early intervention is highly recommended in order to dispel the myths about glaucoma.