Engaging Faith Based Leaders in the Fight against Glaucoma Related Blindness
ArinzeAnthonyOnwuegbuna *
Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
UgochukwuAnthony Eze
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Nigeria.
Akunne Ijeoma Apakama
Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Emeka AkujuobiChianakwalam
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre,Umuahia, Nigeria.
Chidiebele Malachy Ezeude
Department of Internal Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Bernard Chukwunonyerem Ochiogu
Eye Unit, Department of Surgery, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Nigeria.
Anthonia Udeaja
Eye Unit, Department of Surgery, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Nigeria.
Christiana Onyinye Ubaka
St. Joseph Eye Hospital Mgbirichi, Owerri, Nigeria.
Ogugua Ndubisi Okonkwo
Eye Foundation Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria.
George Uchenna Eleje
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Charles Chukwudi Uzozie
Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the role of faith leaders towards reducing glaucoma blindness in Africa.
Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among faith-based leaders in Anambra state. A pretested self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was distributed among consenting faith-leaders. Responses obtained include biodata of respondents and roles. Data obtained was analyzed using IBM SPSS 23. Statistical significance was set at p˂0.05.
Results: Out of 167 faith leaders who participated, 123 (73.7%) were males, giving a male to female ratio (M: F) of 2.8:1 and a mean age of 47.02 years ± 13.84 SD. Majority of the participants 54.5% were of the catholic extraction while only 1.2% were Sabbatarians and 65% have a 500-capacity congregation. About two-thirds (65.4%) believed that glaucoma could cause blindness and 79.7% have undergone an eye check for glaucoma. Routine eye/health check was reported among 85.8% of respondents as the main indication for eye examination. About half (51.8%) of those yet to have their eyes examined have no special reason while about 80% believed routine eye check is the best way to prevent glaucoma blindness through routine eye checks, with over half (57.1%) willing to participate in prevention campaigns and 60.4% believed church to be the best avenue for this campaign.
Conclusion: The results showed that faith leaders who wield great influence in our environment are willing to participate in campaign against glaucoma blindness in their respective churches.
Keywords: Glaucoma, blindness, prevention, faith leaders