Glaucoma Screening among Relatives of Glaucoma Patients in Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the awareness, attitude, and practice of glaucoma screening among adult first degree relatives of glaucoma patients in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Study Design: A prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional survey.

Place of Study: Eye clinics and community eye care out-reaches that offer primary, secondary, and tertiary eye care services to people within Anambra state, Nigeria.

Methods: A pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information such as sociodemographic data, awareness and knowledge of glaucoma and the frequency of practice of glaucoma screening. These were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi square test and logistic regression) where applicable. Level of significance was set at a p-value <0.05.

Results: A total of 186 first degree relatives (FDRs) of glaucoma patients participated, 120 (59.1%) were females, M: F = 1:1.4 and a mean age 43.87 years ± 14.62 SD. Almost half had a secondary level of education and were traders.

Majority (83.9%) and 39.8% had heard of glaucoma and glaucoma screening respectively in the past. However, only 23.7% had been screened for glaucoma. The main reasons respondents gave why they did not screen for glaucoma include 'not necessary', 'no time' and ' not affordable. There was a significant negative relationship between unemployment and poor glaucoma screening practice p=0.007.

Conclusion: This study showed a generally poor knowledge, attitude and practices towards glaucoma screening in the study population. Stakeholders need to intensify efforts to make people understand glaucoma risk factors and appreciate the need to have glaucoma screening in their environments.