Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Glaucoma Management among Patients Attending to Eye Clinic at District General Hospital Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma, ‘the silent thief of sight’, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and it is characterized by optic nerve damage often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The burden of glaucoma remains high although it has advancements in treatment. Through enhanced awareness, early diagnosis, and adherence to treatment protocols this burden could be managed. Objectives: To investigate the current level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on glaucoma management among patients attending the eye clinic at Hambantota General Hospital Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 patients with glaucoma selected through simple random sampling. An interviewer administered, validated Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire used in a Saudi Arabian study on glaucoma patients was pre- tested and used to collect data. Data were analysed using SPSS software. Results: Among the 384 participants 72.4% (n=278) were aged between 51-70 years. The mean±SD age of the sample was 62.3±8.87 years. Majority were females (51.6%, n=198), married (93.8%, n=360), educated to primary level (43%, n=165), monthly income <5000 LKR (34.1%, n=131) and 49.7% (n=191) had the disease for 1-5 years. Further mean±SD knowledge score was 9.6±1.3 (range 4-20) and 98.2% (n=377) had poor level of knowledge. Similarly mean±SD attitude score was 18.9±2.7 (range 7-35). Majority of the participants (83.9%, n=322) had poor level of attitude regarding glaucoma management. The mean±SD practice score was 11.1±2.0 (range 5-25) and 97.1% (n=373) had poor level of practice regarding glaucoma management. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and marital status (p=0.022), time since diagnosis (p=0.001), and having undergone surgery (p=0.001); attitudes and economic status (p=0.014); and practices and education level (p=0.05), and religion (p=0.026). Conclusions: Targeted educational interventions should be developed to address the gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Special focus should be placed on economic status, education level, and cultural factors to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions.