173110 Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding eye health and disease among Hispanic/Latino adults: Results of a national telephone survey

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 5:24 PM

Harry T. Kwon, PhD, MPH, CHES , Macro International Inc., Rockville, MD
William Scarbrough, PhD , Macro International Inc., Calverton, MD
Neyal J. Ammary-Risch, MPH, CHES , National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Hispanics/Latinos, the largest minority group in the United States, experience disproportionate prevalence rates of certain eye diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, compared with other racial/ethnic groups. This study (jointly funded by the National Eye Institute [NEI] and Lions Clubs International Foundation) involved a national probability sample of 3,180 adults aged 18 and older who responded to a computer-assisted telephone interview about general and eye health, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about eye disease and examinations. The survey was conducted in English and Spanish and results were weighted to 2000 Census parameters. Subanalyses were conducted to specifically examine KAP about eye health and disease among Hispanic/Latino adults. Hispanic/Latino adults (61%) had the lowest rates of having a dilated eye exam, compared with Asians (75%), Blacks (70%), and Caucasians (79%). Regarding knowledge, Hispanic/Latino adults reported having heard about glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease less than Asians, Blacks, and Caucasians. Regarding information on eye health, more Hispanic/Latino adults (41%) reported that they never saw or heard anything about eye health or disease in the past 12 months compared with Asians (28%), Blacks (26%), and Caucasians (16%). The KAP survey revealed a continued need to educate adults including Hispanics/Latinos about eye health and eye disease. Additional findings and effective strategies, including the use of lay health educators, self-guided education modules, and additional education resources developed by NEI, will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:
Provide background information on eye health and eye diseases among the Hispanic/Latino population. Provide up-to-date data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Hispanic/Latino adults as it relates to eye health. Increase awareness of educational outreach activities conducted by the National Eye Health Education Program of the National Eye Institute.

Keywords: Hispanic, Vision Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I extensively reviewed the reported findings and will be responsible for developing the presentation. I do NOT have a relevant personal financial relationship with a commercial entity that benefits me and that may ultimately bias the presentation of the content.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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