Background: Eye disease is a major public concern and is considered as part of natural aging. Promoting the knowledge of eye diseases symptoms and risks could decrease the burden of eye problems and achieve an effective treatment. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and self-care practices associated with age-related eye disease (ARED) among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,700 participants in Saudi Arabia. An online well-constructed questionnaire was disseminated and self-administered by each participant via e-mail. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Frequency and percentages were presented in tables for the qualitative data. Univariate odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated to show the strength of the association between correct knowledge of AREDs and socio-demographic factors.
Results: Among the 1,700 participants, 59% were female and 41% were male, with a mean age of 35.6 ± 7 years. Almost 85% of the participants had a proper knowledge of glaucoma, 70% knew of cataract, and 56% knew of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The majority (94%) provided correct knowledge of glaucoma, 90% of AMD, and 60% could correctly define cataract. Age, education, positive family history, and last visit to an eye practitioner were highly associated with a high level of Saudi populations knowledge toward ARED.
Conclusion: Most participants had an adequate level of awareness regarding AREDs. The highest proportions of the population had a good knowledge of glaucoma, followed by cataract and AMD. Most of the participants provided correct knowledge of glaucoma, followed by AMD and then cataract disease. Age, educational level, positive family history, and last visit to an eye practitioner were the common factors that impacted the level of knowledge toward ARED.
Key words: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, eye diseases, glaucoma, Saudi Arabia
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