KNOWLEDGE OF GLAUCOMA, AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SELF-CARE PRACTICES, IN A POPULATION-SAMPLE

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge of glaucoma in a popula tion-based sample, and its relationship to self-care practices. Design and subjects: A cluster random sample of the Melbourne population 40 years of age and older was interviewed. One thousand seven hundred and eleven residents living in five randomly selected Melbourne metropoli tan suburbs, each consisting of two adjacent census collector district s. Measures: Questions were asked concerning respondents' awareness, k nowledge and description of the disease. Respondents were also asked t he year of their last visit to their eye health care provider. Results : Seventy per cent of the sample had heard of glaucoma. However, only 22% provided a description that demonstrated a reasonable understandin g of the disease. A lack of awareness and knowledge of glaucoma appear ed to be negatively related to self-care practices. Conclusion: Seriou s deficiencies in the basic knowledge of glaucoma in the community was demonstrated. This has significant public health implications as only a small percentage of the at-risk population may present themselves f or assessment and treatment. Informing the community about glaucoma is an important step in promoting preventative ophthalmic care and reduc ing visual impairment and blindness.