Abstract
Background: The increasing prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis presents a significant challenge to public health, as, amongst other issues, it impedes the quality of life. In order to mitigate the consequences, it is essential to enhance understanding and knowledge of the identification of Allergic Conjunctivitis and its management strategies.
Aim: The aim of this research is to assess the level of Awareness and knowledge of Allergic Conjunctivitis amongst University of Buraimi students in the Sultanate of Oman.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study in which an online google questionnaire form was distributed to university students through a URL link. The link was distributed via social media networks and emails targeting University of Buraimi students from multiple disciplines. This was to ensure a wide range of response to represent a wider population trend. The poll included questions about typical demographics, awareness, symptoms, causes management and prevention of the disease. The questionnaire was carefully adapted modified revalidated and approved to ensure that respondents would answer the questions whilst they are focused.
The study adopted quantitative research over qualitative research. This approach allowed the drawing of statistically significant conclusions. There is also an emphasis on objectivity and the ability to generalise findings to a broader population, as required by this research.
Results: A total of 350 participants answered the questionnaire. Demographically, females were 68.57%, males were at 31.43%, and participants age ranged between 17 and 34 with a mean of 21.94(±1.90) years old.
Most participants i.e., 55.14% have fair awareness about Allergic Conjunctivitis. There was a statistically significant relationship between awareness level and a student's discipline. The results showed that students from the College of Health Sciences have better awareness compared to non-Health Science related disciplines. (P value = 0.0)
Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, it can be deduced that the level of familiarity with Allergic Conjunctivitis among college students in Oman was moderate, which could partially explain the increasing incidence of this condition amongst the population. Health science students demonstrated greater awareness compared to the non-health sciences group. Therefore, it is recommended that awareness posters, flyers, and sessions be implemented in university halls to increase Allergic Conjunctivitis awareness.