Public Awareness Regarding the Differences Between Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Among Adults Living in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Autor:	Almatrafi AM; Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU., Almarzouki N; Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, SAU., Almutairi MA; Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, SAU., Ghandorah AM; Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, SAU., Alqurashi BS; Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, SAU., Tash RA; Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU., Aladni IS; General Physician, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, SAU.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Sep 05; Vol. 16 (9), pp. e68739. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Sep 05 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.68739
Abstrakt:	Background Patients' knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists has been identified as a crucial factor influencing the choice of eye care services. This study aimed to assess the level of understanding of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists among the population in the Makkah province. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire distributed to adults via social media platforms in the Makkah province, Saudi Arabia, from January to April 2023. The total number of respondents was 1,404. Results This study revealed that 464 (33.3%), 690 (49.5%), and 241 (17.3%) of the participants demonstrated a low, fair, and good understanding, respectively of the distinction between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Overall, 936 (66.7%) exhibited good knowledge. The high level of knowledge is directly correlated with a history of previous eye examinations and the use of eyeglasses. The variables of age (specifically the 18-30-year cohort) and higher educational attainment (at or above university level) emerged as statistically independent predictors of sufficient knowledge acquisition. The odds ratios for younger age and a higher educational level were (confidence interval of 95%) 1.45 (1.11-1.88) and 1.42 (1.19-1.68), respectively. Conclusion This study revealed a fair public knowledge of the distinctions between optometrists and ophthalmologists. Additionally, we recommend the Ministry of Health encourage and sustain ongoing initiatives to enhance public awareness. Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Research Ethics Committee at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia issued approval HA-02-J-008. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. (Copyright © 2024, Almatrafi et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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