Evaluation of educational intervention on knowledge and awareness regarding glaucoma among working adults in northeast of Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: To determine the level of good awareness and knowledge on glaucoma and their associated factors as well as the effectiveness of the glaucoma educational intervention among the working adults in northeast of Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants from the governmental departments were recruited and divided into intervention group and control group. A translated and validated questionnaire on awareness and knowledge related to glaucoma were used. Educational interventions were given for both groups. Post-test assessments were completed at one month and three months post intervention.

RESULTS: A total of 202 participants enrolled for the study (102 intervention group and 100 control group). 64.9% of the participants were aware of glaucoma and 49% of the participants had good knowledge score on glaucoma. Higher educational attainments (bachelor and diploma holders) were the only factors significantly associated with good glaucoma knowledge (p <0.001). There was significant increase in the proportion of good glaucoma knowledge in the intervention group one month after the educational intervention (p < 0.001) and the effect persisted after three months (p < 0.003). There was also significantly higher proportion of good post-test glaucoma knowledge between intervention and control group (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION: Although the public was well aware of glaucoma, there was relatively little understanding of the condition. Educational interventions can be effective to bridge the gap in promoting the glaucoma awareness and better understanding of glaucoma.