Glaucoma awareness and associated factors in an eye hospital in Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide and its early detection and management can reduce the prevalence of visual impairment. The present study aims to assess the level of awareness about glaucoma in patients and co-patients attending an eye hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 on a convenience sample of 220 participants aged 18 to 71. Data were collected using a standardized research tool, summarized numerically (mean, standard deviation, median) and graphically (frequency tables) through SPSS 23, and their reliability was measured through Cronbach’s Alpha tests before generating the scores of knowledge and awareness. A logistic regression analysis assessed the factors associated with glaucoma awareness.
Results: Glaucoma awareness was low (9.1%), despite its presence in 3.2% of the study population, highlighting a significant knowledge gap. Awareness of glaucoma was strongly associated with the knowledge that glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness (P = 0.004) and patients with glaucoma (P = 0.02). Despite their contribution to the model prediction based on eight explanatory variables, education level and area of residence were not statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that awareness about glaucoma was low among the Sudanese population. Therefore, it appeals to health authorities and eye care professionals, in partnership with their communities, to promote information about glaucoma to prevent blindness and improve the quality of life of those affected.