A pilot study to gauge nutritional behavior regarding eye health in an urban community health center population

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the knowledge base of an urban community health center population on the link between nutrition and eye health to determine current habits and then utilize this information for an educational intervention.

METHODS:
A survey was given to 150 patients of an ethnically mixed, lower socioeconomic cohort. The data served as a guide for a focus group. An exit survey and a 1-month follow-up call were used to assess the success of the group.

RESULTS:
Approximately 83% of respondents were aware of a link between healthy food and healthy eyes. Fewer knew of the ocular benefits of specific nutrients such as omega-3 (42.7%) or vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin (32.7%). Only 60% knew smoking could negatively affect eyesight. The largest age group was older than 55 years (26%), and the largest racial group was black (31.3%). The majority (64.7%) ate fish 1 to 2 days a week, and 40% ate green leafy vegetables 3 to 4 days a week. In the cohort, 73.3% reported they would take supplements or change eating habits to improve ocular health. Only 8% who participated in the survey attended the focus group. At the 1-month follow-up, 75% said they had changed their eating habits based on the information presented.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although educating a community health center population about nutrition and ocular health can have a positive effect on patient behaviors, it is difficult, even with incentives, to engage this cohort in participating in focus groups aimed at changing behavior.