FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INCIDENCE OF GLAUCOMA AMONG ADULT PATIENTS IN GENERAL HOSPITALS IN ANAMBRA STATE FROM 2002 – 2006.

ABSTRACT

To achieve the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being of the population there is need to create awareness and stimulate actions from the community to achieve health. However, there seems to be no relationship between health practices and the information available on people’s health in Anambra State. The central issue of this study is to identify the factors responsible for the spread of glaucoma in Anambra State by studying the records of adult patients in the three general hospitals in Anambra State with functional eye clinics for the period between 2002 and 2006 with appropriate research questions and hypothesis formulated tot obtain data for the solution. The literature on past studies on the factors influencing the incidence of glaucoma and its management in Nigeria is reviewed. The Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model (HBM) are used as the theoretical framework. The study is designed as both a descriptive and a Cohort Survey seeking to describe the distribution and incidence of glaucoma within Anambra state of persons who experienced the same life event within 2002 to 2006. The random sampling technique was used with the multi-stage sampling procedure and the use of tables and percentages in data presentation. The Chi squared (X2) was used in testing the hypotheses proposed. Factors influencing the incidence of glaucoma among adult patients in general hospitals in Anambra state between 2002 and 2006 based on 1446 patients and 200 questionnaires administered on general hospitals staff included family history, increased 10P and others with a variable incidence rate and an increased level of public awareness. The increase in health education and eye examination centers are recommended and the level of awareness of the glaucoma disease and its control is recommended for more intense studies.