Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding age-related macular degeneration among adults aged 30 years and above

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision impairment. Although modifiable risk factors accumulate early in life, current research predominantly focuses on older adults. This study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AMD among adults aged 30 years and above in Nanchong, Sichuan Province, China. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and August 2024 at Nanchong Central Hospital among adults aged 30 years and above, employing a validated and self-designed questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.838). The survey collected demographic data and measured scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from outpatients in the ophthalmology department. The study included 424 participants, with 48 (11.32%) diagnosed with AMD. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 5.41 ± 5.20 (range = 0–22), 32.43 ± 4.15 (range = 9–45), and 20.74 ± 5.01 (range = 7–35), respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude ( r  = 0.423, P  < .001), knowledge and practice ( r  = 0.576, P  < .001), and attitude and practice ( r  = 0.492, P  < .001). Mediation analysis indicated that knowledge exerted significant direct effects on attitude (β = 0.435, P  = .020) and practice (β = 0.719, P  = .012). Attitude also showed a significant direct effect on practice (β = 0.360, P  = .004). In addition, a significant indirect effect of knowledge on practice through attitude was observed (β = 0.156, P  = .005), confirming the mediating role of attitude. Overall, the participants demonstrated low levels of AMD knowledge, moderately positive attitudes, and inactive practices. These findings underscore the need to move beyond simply increasing AMD awareness toward promoting sustained preventive eye health behaviors among adults aged 30 years and above. Integrating practical risk-reduction guidance and appropriate eye-care practices into public health education may help facilitate earlier recognition of AMD risk and more proactive eye health management.