Effectiveness of a Planned Health Education Program on Cataract Awareness among Rural Elderly in Mangalore

Abstract

Background: Cataract remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide and continues to be a major public health concern in India, particularly among elderly populations in rural areas where access to eye-care services and awareness about eye health are limited. Many older adults have insufficient knowledge about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for cataract. Early detection and timely surgical intervention can effectively restore vision and significantly improve quality of life. Health education is essential for raising awareness and motivating individuals to seek appropriate eye-care services. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured, individualized teaching program on improving knowledge about cataract among elderly residents of the rural area of Pakshikere. Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the level of existing knowledge regarding cataract among elderly individuals evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program by comparing pre-test and post-test knowledge scores, and explore the relationship between post-test knowledge levels and selected demographic characteristics. Methodology: The study used a pre-experimental, one-group pre-test post-test research design. A total of sixty elderly participants, aged 60 years and above, were purposively selected from the rural area of Pakshikere. Data were gathered using a demographic information sheet and a structured questionnaire developed to assess participants’ knowledge about cataract. Results: Most participants were aged between 60 and 70 years, were female, and had no formal education. The majority worked as daily wage labourers and lived in nuclear families. The pre-test results indicated that 76% of participants had inadequate knowledge about cataract. After the implementation of the individualized teaching program, 88% of the elderly demonstrated adequate knowledge, while 12% showed a moderate level of understanding. The average post-test knowledge score (22.8) demonstrated a statistically significant increase compared with the mean pre-test score (10.6). Reflecting a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001). Analysis of demographic factors revealed that post-test knowledge scores were significantly associated with gender, occupation, type of family, and income, but no significant association was found with age, education, or living arrangement. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the individualized teaching program was highly effective in significantly improving knowledge about cataract among elderly participants. Strengthening health education efforts can promote early detection and timely management of cataract, ultimately helping to prevent avoidable blindness in the rural elderly population.