Knowledge among patients about postoperative home self-care following cataract surgery in Northern and Western India

Abstract

Purpose: Inadequate knowledge of patients regarding postoperative home self-care can result in numerous complications and poor visual outcomes. We investigated the knowledge levels of patients on home self-care precautions postdischarge and suggested ways to improve these. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used a random sample from six partner hospitals in north and west India. Patient's knowledge regarding postoperative home self-care was assessed in three domains (i) general eye care precautions (GECP), (ii) eye cleaning procedures (ECP), and (iii) instilling medications in the eye (IME). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 616 patients provided interviews and visual acuity (VA) assessments. The median ages were 65 and 63 years for males and females, respectively. Postsurgery, an overwhelming number had either very good or good VA (91.2%). Overall, the knowledge levels were “moderately adequate” for GECP at 57.9%. However, “inadequate” knowledge levels were found pertaining to ECP and IME domains with 69.8% and 84.3%, respectively. With multiple logistic regression, female patients (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–4.2) were significantly more likely to have moderate to adequate knowledge of GECP. Those attending both the postoperative review visits were significantly more likely to have moderate to adequate knowledge of ECP (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.4) and IME (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8–2.7), respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge levels were moderately adequate for GECP, while inadequate for ECP and IME domains, respectively. Strategies to improve patient participation in postoperative review visits and improve patient education modalities are recommended and discussed.