A Study To Assess The Knowledge On Post-Operative Self-Care Activities Among Patients Who Have Undergone Cataract Surgery At A Selected Hospital, Malaysia.

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness (WHO, 2011). It will give an impact on physical and emotional status of an individual with cataract. World Health Organization also has the mission towards eliminating blindness by year 2020.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of post-operative self-care activities among patients who have undergone cataract surgery in a selected hospital, Malaysia. The theoretical framework used is Dorothea Orem’s self-care model.

Methodology: A cross sectional design was used in this study. Non-probability convenient sampling method was used to choose 90 subjects. Data was collected by face-to face interview using Cataract Postoperative Self-care Knowledge Questionnaire. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics with (SPSS) 16.0 version 2007 and data were presented in tables and pie charts.

Results: The results showed that most of the subjects did not restrict their diet after the cataract surgery and knew that infection or injury might occur after surgery. There were 43% of the subjects, who have chosen the correct technique of cleaning the eye before instilling the eye drops or ointment. Most of the subjects knew the importance of hand hygiene before instillation of eye drops. All subjects knew the importance of regular follow up after surgery.

Conclusion: There is a need for re-inforcement to the patients through education to improve the knowledge on post-operative self-care following cataract surgery. Nurses need to be supportive and educative in caring for these patients.

Key words: Knowledge, cataract, self-care