Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, yet awareness and early detection remain poor in rural India. Data from North-Eastern India, particularly Tripura, is scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess awareness, knowledge, and practices (AKP) regarding glaucoma and identify predictors of awareness among adults in rural North Tripura. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional survey (April-June 2025) was conducted in four randomly selected villages under the District Residency Programme. Multistage cluster random sampling targeted adults aged ≥30 years. A pretested questionnaire (Bengali/Kokborok) captured demographics, awareness, knowledge, practices, and information sources. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression identified determinants of awareness. RESULTS: Of the 420 eligible adults, 368 completed the survey (response rate: 87.6%). A total of 72/368 (19.6%) had ever heard of glaucoma. Among the aware, 25/72 (34.7%) achieved a good awareness score, and 9/72 (12.5%) had good knowledge. Across the full sample, 39/368 (10.6%) reported an eye examination in the past year; among the aware, 17/72 (23.6%) had an exam. Information sources among the aware included health workers, 29/72 (40.3%); eye camps, 20/72 (27.8%); mass media, 13/72 (18.1%); and family/friends, 10/72 (13.8%). Higher education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.05; 95% CI: 1.87-4.98; p < 0.001) and prior ophthalmic consultation (AOR: 4.92; 95% CI: 2.68-9.02; p < 0.001) independently predicted awareness. CONCLUSIONS: Less than one-fifth of rural adults in North Tripura were aware of glaucoma, and misconceptions were common. Educational status and prior eye-care contact strongly influenced awareness. Community-based education led by trained health workers and integration of glaucoma messaging into routine eye camps may enhance early detection and reduce avoidable blindness.