Awareness, Knowledge, and Practices on Glaucoma Among Adults in Rural North Tripura: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, yet awareness and early detection remain poor in rural India. Data from North-Eastern India, particularly Tripura, is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess awareness, knowledge, and practices (AKP) regarding glaucoma and identify predictors of awareness among adults in rural North Tripura.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional survey (April-June 2025) was conducted in four randomly selected villages under the District Residency Programme. Multistage cluster random sampling targeted adults aged ≥30 years. A pretested questionnaire (Bengali/Kokborok) captured demographics, awareness, knowledge, practices, and information sources. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression identified determinants of awareness.

RESULTS

Of the 420 eligible adults, 368 completed the survey (response rate: 87.6%). A total of 72/368 (19.6%) had ever heard of glaucoma. Among the aware, 25/72 (34.7%) achieved a good awareness score, and 9/72 (12.5%) had good knowledge. Across the full sample, 39/368 (10.6%) reported an eye examination in the past year; among the aware, 17/72 (23.6%) had an exam. Information sources among the aware included health workers, 29/72 (40.3%); eye camps, 20/72 (27.8%); mass media, 13/72 (18.1%); and family/friends, 10/72 (13.8%). Higher education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.05; 95% CI: 1.87-4.98; p < 0.001) and prior ophthalmic consultation (AOR: 4.92; 95% CI: 2.68-9.02; p < 0.001) independently predicted awareness.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than one-fifth of rural adults in North Tripura were aware of glaucoma, and misconceptions were common. Educational status and prior eye-care contact strongly influenced awareness. Community-based education led by trained health workers and integration of glaucoma messaging into routine eye camps may enhance early detection and reduce avoidable blindness.