Awareness of Glaucoma and Associated Factors Among Adults in Gish Abay Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Knowledge and Awareness of Glaucoma Among People Living in Taif City in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Background Glaucoma represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by progressive and irreversible optic nerve damage, visual field impairment, and potential blindness. Limited awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and increased healthcare burden. This research explored glaucoma awareness in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. It delved into the influence of demographics, socioeconomic factors, and cultural beliefs on awareness. The study aimed to inform tailored awareness campaigns and policy decision-makers about regional awareness, ultimately contributing to effective healthcare initiatives in the region. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif City including adults (>18 years) using a community-based approach. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Results This study included 1,000 participants. Most participants were males, aged 18-29 years, with 51.1% (n = 511) having at least a bachelor's education. The media (n = 341, 34.1%) and relatives/friends (n = 336, 33.6%) were common sources of glaucoma information. Among all participants, 58.5% (n = 585) had heard of glaucoma, and many were uncertain about glaucoma's definition and normal eye pressure values. About 63.1% (n = 631) believed in a cure, and 43.1% thought vision loss could be restored. Gender, education, and family history significantly influenced awareness. Closed-angle glaucoma (n = 297, 29.7%) and open-angle glaucoma (n = 231, 23.1%) were recognized types, with surgery (n = 371, 37.1%) and laser treatment (n = 274, 27.4%) perceived as potential cures. Conclusions This study revealed glaucoma awareness among adults in Taif City. Gender, education, and family history played significant roles in shaping awareness levels. There is a need for targeted educational efforts to improve knowledge about glaucoma in the community.

The Prevalence and Determinant Factors of Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms Among Elderly People with Visual Impairment Attending an Outpatient Clinic in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Depression among older adults with visual impairment is the commonest psychiatric problem and causes a range of effects in on disability and progression of visual health outcomes that may even end in death. In Ethiopia, there are gaps in the detection of the comorbidity of mental health problems especially depressive symptoms among those older people. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms and determinant factors among the elderly people with visual impairment attending the ophthalmologic outpatient clinic.

METHODS

A group of 423 elderly people with visual impairment invited by systematic random sampling technique to took part in the interview for this cross-sectional study at Menelik II referral hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to June 2019. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize the distribution of the data. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used for reporting the result, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms among elderly people with visual impairment was 26.7% with a 95% confidence interval (22.6-30.8). Widowhood, single and/divorced [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)= 3.17, 95% CI: 1.71, 5.91]; [AOR=2.70, 95% CI: 1.35, 5.38], respectively, poor social support [AOR=4.34, 95% CI: 1.84, 10.24], severe level [AOR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.73, 6.63] and longer duration (>5 years) of the illness [AOR=3.15, 95% CI: 1.60, 6.19] were the factors significantly associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The Prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms among elderly people with visual impairment in Ethiopia was high. Public health interventions targeting risky individuals with high depressive symptoms are needed to reduce depressive symptoms and to prevent disability and poor medical illnesses outcomes related to depressive symptoms.