Sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge of common eye diseases: a cross-sectional study in Afghanistan

BackgroundEye diseases are a major global health concern but are often neglected. This study aims to assess the sociodemographic determinants of knowledge on common eye diseases among the adult population in Afghanistan. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted between August and October, 2021, including 509 adult population in the Herat province of Afghanistan. Participants sociodemographics and knowledge of common eye diseases were recorded through an in-person interview. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with understanding common eye diseases among study participants. ResultThe mean age of the study participant was 34.96 years, with males making up nearly 53.4% of the total sample. Of the 509 respondents, 76.8% of them did not have enough information on common eye diseases; 79% of the participants did not know the definition of glaucoma disease. Only 47.3% of the participants of this study knew the meaning of cataract disease. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) revealed that participants over 35 years of age had significantly higher odds of knowledge of eye disease [AOR: 3.629; 95%CI:1.770, 7.442] compared to the relatively younger age group of 18-34 years. A significant association was found between awareness about eye diseases and higher levels of education. Participants receiving higher education were found to have higher odds of being aware of the knowledge of eye disease. ConclusionsResults showed low awareness about common eye disease among the younger adult population. The study, therefore, consolidates the need for promoting health literacy regarding common eye diseases in Herat province of Afghanistan.