Abstract
Objective: To assess the awareness and knowledge of ocular allergies (OAs) among undergraduate students in Trinidad and Tobago.
Methods: A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among full‐time undergraduate students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. A convenience sampling method was used, and data were collected via an anonymous, English‐language questionnaire covering demographics, awareness, and knowledge of OA. The survey was distributed electronically through social media and required 4–6 min to complete. Knowledge and awareness level was classified as poor (≤50%), moderate (>50%–≤70%) and good (>70%).
Results: A total of 613 students participated, with most aged 21–30 years (76.0%), female (62.2%) and of East Indian ethnicity (49.6%) and with over half residing in urban areas (52.0%). The average correct response on OA awareness was 60.96% and knowledge was 58.2%. Awareness was good, with 76.2% recognising OA as a global condition and 82.5% identifying itching as the main symptom, while redness (91.2%) was the most frequently recognised sign. The Internet was the primary information source (55.3%). However, knowledge gaps persisted, with 47.1% reporting that OA is transmissible or were unsure. Awareness of specific forms was poor, with less than 45% recognising correct forms, while 41.8% identified bacterial and 41.6% viral conjunctivitis as allergic forms. Knowledge of available medications was poor, with only 46.5% reporting familiarity. Faculty/academic discipline and year of study showed the strongest associations with areas of knowledge assessed (p < 0.001), indicating that field of study and educational level significantly influenced awareness and understanding.
Conclusion: Overall knowledge of OA among students was moderate, awareness was poor among non‐medical sciences and science and technology faculties, partly reflecting limited public health education on eye conditions. Persistent confusion between allergic and infectious conjunctivitis highlights the need for targeted ocular health education to support accurate diagnosis, prevention and timely care‐seeking.