Knowledge and Awareness of Glaucoma and Their Associated Eye Care Practices in 3 Areas With Different Tiers in Khartoum State 2020-2021

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most prevalent type of glaucoma in Africa, in which the patient is usually asymptomatic early in the disease course; so early presentation is the only way to prevent blindness progression. This study is a community-based cross-sectional study in 3 different socioeconomic areas in Khartoum state among adults who were selected using systemic random sampling inside the area. Data were collected using an interviewing questionnaire after obtaining ethical approval from the Department of Community Medicine- University of Khartoum and a sample of 384 was collected. The overall level of awareness was 62%, which differed significantly with: tier-level, educational level, diagnosis of refractive error, use of medical eyeglasses, family history of blindness, and attendance history of eye care services. The main source of knowledge and awareness of Glaucoma was the local community (57%) followed by ophthalmologists (23%). Among the aware population, the second socioeconomic area residents possessed higher knowledge of glaucoma than those in the first area (P=0.032). Ophthalmologists as a source of knowledge are associated positively with higher knowledge. Attendance of eye care services is associated positively with a family history of blindness and a university degree. The awareness of glaucoma is low in low socioeconomic area compared to the middle and high socioeconomic areas. Middle socioeconomic area residents possessed higher knowledge than the highest socioeconomic area. The high awareness in the population was not translated into good knowledge in most of the population so health education is recommended.