Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about dilated eye examinations among African-Americans.
OBJECTIVE
To understand factors that influence African-Americans' attitude toward eye examinations.


METHODS
Ten focus groups were conducted with 86 African-Americans. Four focus groups were conducted with people 65 years of age and older who had not received a dilated fundus examination (DFE) in the past 2 years, two groups were held with people 65 years of age and older who had had a recent DFE, and two groups each were held with people 40 to 64 years of age, with and without recent DFEs. Focus group interviews were conducted by using a moderator guide to address perceived benefits of and barriers to getting an eye examination; motivators for getting DFEs; and knowledge of eye examinations, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Participants also completed a questionnaire that provided demographic information. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted.


RESULTS
Cost or lack of sufficient insurance was identified as the most important barrier to getting a DFE. Also frequently mentioned was not having any symptoms and being too busy. The most frequently cited benefit of getting a DFE was to help prevent eye disease, whereas the most frequently reported motivating factor was experiencing a vision problem. Regarding knowledge, many people did not know the risk factors for glaucoma, but seemed to have a better understanding of how to reduce the effects of diabetes on their eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Study findings identified important links between financial resources and experiencing a vision problem and the adoption of preventive eye care in an urban African-American population.
Ellish
Nancy J
NJ
Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. nellish@umaryland.edu
Royak-Schaler
Renee
R
Passmore
Susan R
SR
Higginbotham
Eve J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D015142:Baltimore; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D017048:Health Care Costs; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009184:Mydriatics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010808:Physical Examination; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D009184:Mydriatics