JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISEASES
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2705-2214
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JPHD
Start Year: 2018
Email: jphd@integrityresjournals.org
Self-reported history of ocular conditions and knowledge of glaucoma among faith-based leaders in Anambra State, Nigeria: A population-based cross-sectional survey
https://doi.org/10.31248/JPHD2025.166 | Article Number: C6CA302E2 | Vol.8 (1) - April 2026
Received Date: 15 July 2025 | Accepted Date: 26 February 2026 | Published Date: 30 April 2026
Authors: Arinze A Onwuegbuna , Ugochukwu A Eze* , Akunne I Apakama , Ogugua N Okonkwo , Chidiebele M Ezeude , Chigozie I Echieh , Emeka A Chianakwalam and George U Eleje
Keywords: Anambra State, faith-based leaders, glaucoma, ocular conditions.
Faith-based leaders are highly respected and influential members of society, shaping the values and habits of their followers. This study explored self-reported ocular conditions and glaucoma knowledge among faith-based leaders in Anambra State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 167 faith-based leaders selected through multistage sampling. An interviewer-administered, pretested, and validated questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic variables, ocular condition history, and glaucoma knowledge. A structured scoring system was used to assess glaucoma knowledge. A 70% (7/10) cutoff was set for adequate knowledge, while scores below the cutoff were considered inadequate. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS software version 23. The results show that the study population was predominantly male (73.7%), with a mean age of 47.02 ± 13.84 years, and the majority (79.6%) attained at least a tertiary level of education. The predominant ocular symptoms were blurred vision, difficulty reading, itching, and ocular pain. Glaucoma awareness was poor as only 27.5% of respondents showed a good (adequate) knowledge of the condition, and a higher level of education was significantly associated with an adequate knowledge of glaucoma (p=0.022). Inability to read was the most common symptom reported, followed by allergies and blurred vision. In conclusion, knowledge of glaucoma among faith-based leaders was generally low in this survey. Given their high level of influence within communities, the importance of integrating faith-based leaders into glaucoma awareness and primary eye care education initiatives cannot be overemphasised, as this may improve community-based eye health education and significantly reduce the burden of glaucoma-related blindness.
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