Awareness, Perception, and Knowledge of Amblyopia among the Community in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A 2020 Study

Abstract

An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out, and was
conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness, and perception
about amblyopia among the community in Madinah, Saudi
Arabia, during February 2020. A total of 633 who satisfied the
inclusion criteria were acquired. A chain sampling technique
was carried out. Structured valid questionnaire (in Arabic) were
distributed to the respondents using (WhatsApp) application.
The collected data were analyzed by appropriate statistical
tests. Results showed that of the 633 participants, only onethird
(33.8%, n = 214) mentioned that they are knowledgeable
about this condition. Of them, one-fourth (27.6%) had a correct
knowledge about the definition of amblyopia with (29.8%) who
identified refractive errors, strabismus and cataract as etiologies
of amblyopia and (84.1%) mentioned early treatment as more
effective. Results showed that respondents with higher education
level (64.3%), who were in health-related field (44.8%) and
parents who had amblyopic children (70.4%) were found to
have more significant awareness (p < 0.05). In conclusion, low
awareness on amblyopia was found to be common topic among
previous and current researches in relation with the disease. This
gap in awareness can be minimized by directing more efforts to
provide a greater reach on disease information dissemination.
Public campaigns are deemed vital in promoting more information
about the disease.