Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward glaucoma and its management among adult Saudi patients

PURPOSE: To present the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) for glaucoma management and their determinants among adult Saudi patients. METHODS: The study was conducted between January and June 2017. Glaucoma patients from the ophthalmology clinic were interviewed. Demographics and disease-related information were noted. The questionnaire included four K questions, seven A questions, and six P squestions. The correct response of questions were summed for K, A, and P, and the percentile was calculated. K and P scores were graded as excellent (more than >75%), good (51%–75%), poor (26%–50%), and very poor (≤25%). If A score was >50%, it was termed as positive. RESULTS: We interviewed 263 adult glaucoma patients. Their mean age was 61.6 ± 14.2 years. The excellent grade of knowledge about glaucoma and its management was 63 (24% [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.8–29.1]). Poor grade of knowledge was 95 (36.1% [95% CI 30.3–41.9]). The attitude toward glaucoma and its management was positive in 89 (33.8% [95% CI 28.1–39.6]). The practice to manage glaucoma was of excellent grade in 10 (3.8% [95% CI 1.5-6.1]). The overall excellent grade of KAP glaucoma patients was 17.9% (13.2–22.5). Good practice for glaucoma management was associated with a history of glaucoma surgery (P < 0.001), longer duration of glaucoma (P = 0.02), and young age (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Low KAP about glaucoma disease and medication among Saudi glaucoma patients is a matter of concern. Strategies are needed to improve the KAP of glaucoma patients.