Glaucoma and associated factors among adults in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia

Purpose: The study aims to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma and its associated factors among adults in Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 634 sampled adults in Jimma town from May 1/2020 to June 1/2020. A multistage sampling technique was employed to pick out the study participants. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of both awareness and knowledge about glaucoma. Results The proportion of awareness and knowledge towards glaucoma among adult was 230 (37.8% (95% CI, 33.9% -41.6%) and 117/230 (50.9%, 95% CI 44.3%, 57.8%) respectively. Educational status [(AOR = 2.32, 95% CI:(1.18, 4.55)], family history of glaucoma [(AOR = 3.82, 95% CI:(2.35, 6.21)], ever had eye examination [(AOR = 2.54, 95% CI:(1.7,3.78)], and wealth index status [(AOR = 1.87 95% CI:(1.04, 3.35)], were associated factors with awareness about glaucoma whereas educational status [(AOR = 6.07, 95% CI:(2.06, 17.87)], and ever had eye examination [(AOR = 3.58, 95% CI:(2.01, 6.40)], were the associated factors with knowledge of glaucoma. Conclusion More than one-third and half of them had awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among adults in Jimma town respectively. Educational status, family history of glaucoma, eye examination, and wealth status were associated factors with awareness about glaucoma whereas educational status and eye examination were associated factors with knowledge of glaucoma. A comprehensive and routine health education program should be implemented to enhance awareness of glaucoma prevention, risks, and treatment.