Knowledge, attitudes and self-care practices associated with glaucoma among hospital personnel in a tertiary care center in North India

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the level of correct knowledge about glaucoma and attitudes toward blindness prevention and treatment and how these factors influence self-care practices among hospital personnel. Methods: In this tertiary hospital based, cross-sectional study, a random sample of 119 staff members including 23 physicians (nonophthalmologists) and 96 nursing staff were administered a self-designed knowledge, attitudes, practice (KAP) questionnaire about glaucoma. Results: All 119 personnel [34 (28.57%) males; 85 (71.42%) females] were aware of glaucoma. Most physicians (80.76%) and nurses (65.26%) understood that glaucoma was associated with a high intraocular pressure and had an effect on the optic nerve. Twenty-four percent of physicians and nurses did not know that it is important for family members of glaucoma patients to be more concerned about getting the disease. As regards 'treatment priority' between cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy; 76.91% physicians and 60% nurses placed glaucoma first. Out of total blindness, stroke or paralysis, cancer, schizophrenia and heart disease, blindness prevention was first priority for 9 (34.60%) physicians and 15 (15.78%) nurses. A recent visit to an eye practitioner (p = 0.012) was a significant predictor of knowledge of glaucoma as a blinding disease. Conclusion: Educating hospital workers on the symptoms of glaucoma and visual impairment can be an important step toward preventive ophthalmic care.