Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among workers in a missionary hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a disease of public health importance, and adequate knowledge and awareness about it play a key role in its effective management. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of workers about glaucoma in a mission hospital.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 455 workers at Bowen University Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain information and a detailed ocular examination was carried out. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23.
Results: Four hundred and fifty-five workers participated in this study. More than half (60.9%) of the participants are aware of glaucoma but only 36.2% have the correct knowledge. More than one-third (36.1%) of the respondents do not know how glaucoma can be managed.
Conclusion: The level of glaucoma knowledge and awareness among workers in this cohort is low. There is a need to educate these hospital workers on glaucoma so as to raise their awareness and level of knowledge. This will help them to be better advocates of quality eye care among the general populace especially in a developing and low-income country like ours.