Abstract:

Objective    To investigate the awareness of microbial keratitis (MK) and current state of health education among a community population. Methods    A questionnaire survey was conducted among 310 community residents, and the data were analyzed by χ2 test. Results    The awareness rate of MK was 32.6% and health education was the major influencing factor for awareness (P＜0.01). The most desired way of acquiring information of MK was consulting doctors (46.5%) and the most preferred knowledge was the prevention of MK (69.1%). Conclusion    Community population have low awareness of MK and health education should be conducted in various forms to prevent MK.

Key words: Microbial keratitis; Awareness; Health education