Role of Mass Communication and Health Care In Promoting Glaucoma Awareness: An Observational Study

Abstract

study was done between glaucoma awareness week (GAW) of two consecutive years (2016 & 2017), starting from the beginning of GAW in the year 2016 (March 6’2016) to a day before the beginning of GAW in year 2017 (March 11’2017). The study was approved Abstract by the institutional ethical committee and adhered to declaration of Helsinki. We tracked three sources of information-print media (5 national dailies), electronic media (2 FM stations and one TV station) and 26 hospital premises for one year. To track print media, we selected five newspapers, two Hindi dailies (Dainik Bhaskar-Hisar edition, Dainik Jagran-Hisar edition, Dainik Nabhchhor) and two English dailies (Times of India –New Delhi-city edition, The Hindu-New Delhi edition). The selection of newspapers was based on information obtained from newspaper distribution agencies. We selected newspaper with maximum circulation in the city. Data on population of city was used to calculate readership reach of print media. We used urban/metropolitan population data as per 2011 census. (http://www.census2011.co.in/census/ city/41-hisar.html) During the study period two persons screened selected dailies on a daily basis for publication of an advertisement or article issued in public interest by government or non-government agency or organization to promote awareness about glaucoma. A publication was considered as an awareness promotion if it either intended to motivate an individual for eye examination for detection of glaucoma or gave information about some aspect of glaucoma. The electronic media sources included city based two FM radio stations (92.7 Big FM, 106.4 Radio Dhamaal) and a relay station of state owned television (Doordarshan). There are five FM stations in city; two of them were randomly selected. We visited offices of these broadcast stations and gathered information on airing any jingle, advertisement or talk on promoting awareness about glaucoma in the beginning and end of the study period. We 11 AM 1PM. Purpose:- : Lack of awareness about glaucoma is one of the leading causes of glaucoma. This study was designed to understand possible reasons responsible for lower levels of awareness and discuss the role of media and health agencies. Material & Methods:- This was a year long observational study which closely followed sources of information readily available to common persons. We looked for information intended to improve glaucoma awareness in print media, electronic media and hospital premises. Results:- Between March 2016 and March 2017, we observed 5 newspapers, 2 FM radio channels, 1 TV channel and visited 26 hospitals. There was only one advertisement in one of the Hindi language newspaper. In only 3(11%) hospitals premises, some kind of information on glaucoma awareness was available. Conclusion:- Information on promoting glaucoma awareness through audio-visual media and health agencies is lacking in this part of India.