Assessing knowledge and awareness of cataracts among geriatric patients at Bindura Provincial Hospital

Abstract

Cataracts remain the leading cause of reversible blindness globally affecting geriatric population in low and middle income countries such as Zimbabwe despite the availability of effective surgical intervention. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of cataracts among geriatric patients (aged 60 years and above) attending Bindura Provincial Hospital, Zimbabwe and identify sociodemographic factors associated with cataract knowledge. A study was conducted among 422 geriatric patients recruited through random sampling from outpatient and ophthalmic departments .Data was collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire .The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms, complications, treatment options and barriers to seeking care. While 91.2% of the participants had heard about cataracts only 34% could correctly define the condition as the clouding of the eye’s lens .Urban residents demonstrated better knowledge of cataract causes (52.% vs 21.2%) and symptoms (41.6% vs 15%) compared to rural dwellers. Only 23% correctly identified surgery as the only effective cure while 42.2% believed traditional herbs could cure cataracts and 26.5% believed eye drops were effective .Most participants (62.6%) had never visited an eyecare professional. Cost was cited as the primary barrier of seeking treatment (50%), followed by belief that herbs would cure the condition (28.9%) and fear of surgery (15.9%).Higher education, urban residence and family history of cataracts were independent predictors of good knowledge. The study reveals critical gap in accurate knowledge of cataracts among geriatric patients at Bindura Provincial Hospital. There is persistent misconceptions about treatment and a significant rural-urban disparity in knowledge. There is need for culturally sensitive health education interventions and policy initiatives to reduce financial barriers. The findings provide evidence from Zimbabwe to inform targeted public health strategies aimed at reducing preventable blindness in the geriatric population.