Awareness and Knowledge about Cataract in a Nigerian Community

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the level of awareness and knowledge about cataract in a Nigerian community. The study was conducted between June and September 2007 at the eye clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. With the aid of semi-structured questionnaire administered on one hundred respondents presenting to the eye clinic, information regarding their bio-data ,awareness and knowledge about cataract were obtained .The source of information about cataract was also established. Majority of respondents(57%) were aware about cataract being a blinding eye condition. Few respondents(9%) knew that cataract was opacification of crystalline lens .Some respondents(46%) were aware that the treatment for cataract is cataract surgery and that there is restoration of vision following successful surgery. Few respondents (15%) were aware of intraocular lens .Some respondents (49.1%) were informed about cataract by eye care providers. Most respondents were aware of cataract. Less than half of the respondents knew about cataract surgery and restoration of vision following cataract surgery. Few respondents knew about intraocular lens. Less than half of the respondents were informed about cataract by eye care providers. There is need to adequately inform and educate patients about their health most especially eye health.

Keywords: Awareness, knowledge, cataract, Nigeria

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 53 (3) 2008: pp. 36-39