The authors present the findings of a cross-sectional survey of participants diagnosed with glaucoma during free eye screening. A total of 830 participants were screened from two outreaches:182 new glaucoma cases were diagnosed (63 glaucoma and 119 glaucoma suspects). There were 121 males and 61 females with a median age of 50 years. It was noted that early diagnosis of glaucoma is more often achieved through opportunistic screening and dedicated screening of high risk groups. Generally, uptake of eye care services has been found to be low despite availability of these services in rural and urban areas of both developing and developed countries. The most common reason for non-uptake and non-adherence in this study was lack of funds, accounting for 54.9% and 44.4% of participants’ reasons respectively. Distance was the second major reason for non-adherence (22%) and non-uptake (11%). In this study it is worth noting that discourteous behaviour towards the patient (6%) was the fourth most common reason for non-uptake. The attitude of health workers plays an important role in the management of glaucoma. This study is limited by the sample population of those who attended the free screening, which is not fully representative of glaucoma patients, especially those of higher economic class who often do not attend free screenings. However, it is very relevant in terms of the awareness of compulsory screening of first degree relatives of glaucoma patients.
Screening and adherence to glaucoma care in Enugu, Nigeria
Reviewed by Patty Mopamboli Mboli
Follow-up and adherence to glaucoma care by newly diagnosed glaucoma patients in Enugu, Nigeria.
