Study on glaucoma awareness among the rural population of central Kerala

Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Research and Review - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 9

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is one among the leading causes of irreversible blindness in India. Lack of awareness and lack of knowledge of this disease is the most important cause for the late presentation which leads to blindness. Aim: To find out the awareness and knowledge about glaucoma in a rural population of a literate state like Kerala. Study Design: A cross sectional study using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire and the participants were selected by cluster sampling method. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire contained details of demographic factors in the first part and questions to assess the knowledge of the participants who were aware of this disease in the second part. The responses were entered in MS EXCEL Sheet and data analysis done using the software SPSS version 15.Chi-square test was done to find out the percentage and proportion. Results: Out of the 4414 participants 2052 were males and 2362 were females. 805 (18.23%) people were aware of glaucoma, Awareness was statistically significant in terms of age, age group 40-59 were more aware of the disease. Knowledge of glaucoma was significant statistically in terms of education (p value =0.003) but not in terms of gender (p value -0.847) Major source of information was through mass media. Only 34.4% knew that this is a disease with no symptoms. Conclusion: Awareness of glaucoma is less when compared to the literacy rate. But knowledge of glaucoma is good among those who are aware of the disease. Mass Media can be utilized to impart knowledge of this disease. Health education classes should be conducted and people should be motivated to undergo screening procedures so that early detection is possible.

Authors and Affiliations

Nirmala Nirmala, Devaki Antharjanam, Gopalakrishnan P, Harsha C. H,, Ann Mary, Swathy Londhe, Raju Antony

Keywords

Related Articles

Study of factors affecting drug compliance in schizophrenia- cross sectional survey

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a condition characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior, disorganized thought, and negative symptoms. There is overwhelming evidence that antipsychotics can be effecti...

Sigmoid volvulus and its management: a study of 38 cases

Background: Sigmoid volvulus is one of the commonest causes of distal colonic obstruction. Early diagnosis and early surgical intervention reduces mortality and morbidity. Study design: Case series. Aim of the study: To...

Clinicopathological profile of mediastinal masses in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Introduction:The Mediastinum is the central part of thorax where various organs are located which gives rise to various neoplastic and non- neoplastic lesions.Accurate diagnosis is important to formulate proper therapeut...

Fournier's gangrene: a review of 38 cases in a tertiary hospital

Background: Fournier’s gangrene is an infective necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital or perianal regions. It is caused by polymicrobial infection. The infective process leads to thrombosis of subcutaneous blood...

Clinical profile of lung cancer in rural medical college of Maharashtra (India): a prospective study of three years

Aim: To Study the clinical, radiological & histological profile of lung cancer. Meterial & Methods: 94 patients who presented with cough, haemoptysis, chest pain, breathelessness, and having radiological features consist...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP230984
  • DOI 10.17511
  • Views 97
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Nirmala Nirmala, Devaki Antharjanam, Gopalakrishnan P, Harsha C. H, , Ann Mary, Swathy Londhe, Raju Antony (2016). Study on glaucoma awareness among the rural population of central Kerala. International Journal of Medical Research and Review, 4(9), 1582-1586. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-230984