Knowledge, Attitude, and Health Believes of Glaucoma Patients in a Nigerian Hospital

Abstract

To find out the knowledge, attitude and health beliefs of glaucoma patients in Sagamu, Nigeria. A Prospective hospital based case series of 90 patients aged 5-87years who has been attending the glaucoma clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching hospital (OOUTH) was conducted. Patients were interviewed using a questionnaire and the data obtained analyzed using Epi Info 2002. Overall 15.1% (13) had family history of glaucoma and only 18.1% had heard of glaucoma before their diagnosis was made.93.9% believed that glaucoma is a serious condition which can damage vision and 7.1% believed that they can recover from the illness after treatment. We conclude that glaucoma awareness among glaucoma patients was not high. Majority believed that they can recover from the illness after treatment. Health education programmes may help increase the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma.

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 50 (3&4) 2006: pp. 62-64