Open AccessLEVEL OF AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS IN TAIF UNIVERSITY TOWARD KERATOCONUS, TAIF, SAUDI ARABIA
Author(s) -
Rahma A. Algethami,
Layla M. Alkhaldi,
Abeer I. Alsulaimani,
Aymen A. Atalla
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of advanced research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2320-5407
DOI - 10.21474/ijar01/13488
Subject(s) - keratoconus , psychology , cross sectional study , family medicine , medicine , optometry , demography , ophthalmology , cornea , sociology , pathology
Objectives:To determine the level of awareness of keratoconus (KC)among students at Taif University in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods:A cross-sectional study was done on 957 students from Taif university, KSAfrom March to August 2021. An online-based survey was done using a pr-designed questionnaire that included items on socio-demographic data, having KC, and awareness about KC. Results: 33.8% of students heard about KC, 12.7% heard about it from social media, and 29.5% reported that KC is a thin protruded cornea. Almost half 53.6% reported that KC might lead to myopia, 24.6% is related to allergy, 33.9% thought it is hereditary and the majority 49.2% did not know its treatment. The prevalence of poor, fair, and good knowledge regarding KC was 48.9%, 38.1%, and 13% respectively. Femalessignificantlyknewthe relationship between KC and myopia, allergy, and heredity, did not know KC treatment and had good knowledge aboutKCcompared to males. Non-medical students had a significanthigher percent of those who knew that KC is a thin protruded cornea but did not know KC treatment. Conclusion: This study revealed insufficient knowledge regarding KC among studied students. This is a need to increase awareness about KC through health awareness programs and community campaigns for better eye health.