Prevalence and Risk Factors of Glaucoma Among Adults in Selected Rural Communities in The Western Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. In Ghana, glaucoma accounts for approximately 19.4% of blindness cases, with rural populations disproportionately affected due to limited access to eye care services, low awareness, and health-seeking barriers. Despite this burden, community-level data on glaucoma prevalence and risk factors in rural Ghana, particularly in the Western Region, remains scarce. This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of glaucoma among adults aged 40 years and above in selected rural communities within the Western Region of Ghana. Methodology: A cross-sectional, quantitative study design was employed. A sample of 408 participants were interviewed across nine rural communities. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, assessing socio-demographic characteristics, health history, lifestyle behaviors, and glaucoma awareness. Data was analyzed using STATA version 18. Results: The prevalence of glaucoma in the study population was 30.6%, with an additional 8.1% identified as suspected cases requiring further confirmation. Awareness of glaucoma was moderate (59.5%), yet only 55.6% of participants demonstrated good knowledge about its risk factors and prevention. Significant predictors of glaucoma included family history of the disease (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 1.98–6.46; p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.13–2.73; p = 0.012), and physical inactivity (AOR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.28–4.40; p = 0.006). Other variables such as sex and income were not significant. Conclusion: Glaucoma prevalence among adults in rural Western Region was found to be high, suggesting that a considerable proportion of cases remain undiagnosed. Although awareness levels were moderate, knowledge about specific causes and preventive practices was limited despite over half of respondents demonstrating good general awareness. Family history, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity were identified as significant predictors of glaucoma. Strengthening community-based screening programmes, continuous public health education, and integrating glaucoma awareness into routine primary healthcare services are recommended to enhance early detection and reduce preventable vision loss in rural Ghana.