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Determinants of Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk Factors in Ethiopia
Destaye Shiferaw Alemu1, Minychil Bantihun Munaw2, Matiyas Mamo Bekele2
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of healthcare professionals on risk factors of age-related macular degeneration and to identify factors that affect their level of knowledge.
Patients And Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 607 healthcare professionals in Gondar City from August 1 to 30, 2024. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participant. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using R statistical software to identify determinants affecting knowledge on age-related macular degeneration risk factors. The strength and precision of relationships between the outcome and the factors were quantified using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. P - value below 5% was used to declare statistically significance associations.
Results:
Six hundred seven healthcare professionals took part in this study. Less than one-third of the participants (29.7%; 95% CI: 25.0%, 34.8%) showed adequate knowledge of risk factors of age-related macular degeneration. Male sex (AOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.43), healthcare service experience less than five years (AOR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.88), ten years of experience in healthcare (AOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.95), eye health-related training (AOR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.83), hypertension history (AOR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.52, 3.44) and diabetes mellitus (AOR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.02, 6.27) determine healthcare professionals' knowledge of age-related macular degeneration risk factors.
Conclusion:
The study highlights a significant knowledge gap among healthcare professionals regarding age-related macular degeneration risk factors. Gender, years of experience in healthcare, and receiving eye health-related training are key determinates of knowledge on age-related macular degeneration risk factors, underscoring the importance of directed educational and trainings to improve healthcare professionals' knowledge on age-related macular degeneration risk factors.
