The impact of educational workshops on individuals at risk for glaucoma in the Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of educational workshops, led by community health educators, on the level of knowledge, perceived risk of glaucoma, and rate of attendance in a subsequent glaucoma detection examination.


METHODS
Participants attended an educational workshop about glaucoma and completed an 8-question pre- and post-test to assess knowledge. A paired samples t-test assessed mean differences in composite pre- and post-test scores, correct responses for each question, and perceived risk of glaucoma after the workshop.


RESULTS
Seven hundred and seven (707) pre- and post-test surveys were completed. There was a significant increase in the level of knowledge about glaucoma as reflected in the pre- and post-test composite scores (M=3.86, SD=1.95 vs. M=4.97, SD=1.82, P<0.001). In the 5 largest community sites, 44% (n=221/480) of the participants who attended an educational workshop scheduled a glaucoma detection examination appointment and 76% (n=160/211) of these participants completed this eye examination in the community setting.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational workshops increased knowledge and awareness about glaucoma and were helpful in recruiting patients for community-based glaucoma detection examinations.


PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
We recommend including educational workshops when conducting community-based outreach programs.
['Johnson|Deiana M|DM|', 'Stratford|Shayla|S|', 'Shyu|Andrew P|AP|', 'Sembhi|Harjeet|H|', 'Molineaux|Jeanne|J|', 'Reamer|Courtney|C|', 'Spaeth|George L|GL|', 'Myers|Jonathan S|JS|', 'Hark|Lisa A|LA|', 'Katz|L Jay|LJ|', 'Waisbourd|Michael|M|']
D001364:Awareness D003153:Community Health Services D003150:Community Health Workers D004521:Educational Measurement D005260:Female D005901:Glaucoma D006266:Health Education D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006801:Humans D008297:Male D015143:Philadelphia D010865:Pilot Projects D015397:Program Evaluation D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Educational workshop Glaucoma Community health educators Outreach