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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Glaucoma Among Adults in Rural and Urban Communities of Ilorin West Local Government Area , North-Central Nigeria

Glaucoma is becoming an increasingly important cause of blindness, as the world’s population ages. Glaucoma, however, presents perhaps an even greater public health challenge than cataracts; because the blindness it causes is irreversible. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of glaucoma among adults in rural and urban communities of Ilorin West Local Government Area, North-Central Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional comparative study. Respondents were selected through a Multi-stage sampling technique. Intervieweradministered structured questionnaire and clinical report form were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15. Bivariate, correlation analysis and multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze data. Level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The prevalence of glaucoma was higher in the rural, 56 (12.4%), compared with the urban area, 37 (8.2%) with a p value of 0.037. Age of respondents, educational status, hypertension; and intra-ocular pressure, were found to be associated with glaucoma. However, the multivariate regression analysis identified only age and intra-ocular pressure as the two significant predictors of glaucoma in both the rural and urban areas of this study. The high prevalence of glaucoma obtained from this study attest to the high burden of glaucoma in the study communities. Regular community-based eye screening will be useful in early detection of glaucoma. In addition, government should make eye care services available at the primary health care centres at reduced cost to enhance geographical and financial access.