Factors influencing uptake of glaucoma screening services among adults aged forty years and above in Owerri Imo state

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide after cataract. The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing uptake of glaucoma screening among adults aged 40 years and above in Owerri with emphasis on eye screening behaviour. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to recruit four hundred (400) adults via a probability multi-stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data which were analyzed using SPSS program. Results revealed, majority (85%) of the participants had heard of glaucoma. 256 (75.3%) respondents had gone for eye screening and out of this, 64.8% had gone for glaucoma screening. Those who never went for eye screening had reasons such as unaffordability of cost (25%), far distance of clinic (17.9%), no escort (19%). The most common eye problems revealed were presbyopia (17.3%), dry eye syndrome (15.8%). Results also showed that out of the 400 respondents, 183 (45.8%) showed at least one ocular sign of glaucoma while 159 (39.8%) showed more than one ocular sign of glaucoma. Statistical analysis showed that positive eye screening behaviour was significantly related to the uptake of glaucoma screening services. In conclusion, regular ophthalmic care can limit blindness due to glaucoma. Adults should assess eye care services such as glaucoma screening to help early detection of ophthalmic problems. Public awareness of the benefits of glaucoma screening as well as the government's provision of facilities to enhance access to glaucoma screening services in Owerri, Imo State were recommended.