Abstract:
The objectives of this research is to study the information exposure, knowledge, attitude and intention to participate in LASIK eye surgery of people aged 21-40 years with vision problem such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The study is an Exploratory Research with both quantitative and qualitative parts. In quantitative part, questionnaires are used to collect data from 131 samples, male and female who came to the clinic, in Bangkok area, for the first time. Frequency, percentage, means and standard deviation are the statistics applied to analyze data. SPSS for Windows program is used for data processing. In qualitative part, Focus Group Discussion is used to extend the results from the quantitative part in more details and to find new aspects from the participants In quantitative part, the results are :1. The samples had more information exposure through mass media than personal media. Magazines were the most frequent media they exposed 2. Most of the samples had little basic knowledge about LASIK 3. Most of the samples had good feelings toward LASIK because of its benefits 4. 23 percent of the samples had intention to participate in LASIK eye surgery within 2 years. Side effects and high price were the reasons for not having surgery. People with salary of 20,001- 30,000 baht a month had more intention than other groups In qualitative part, the results are 1. Information exposure through mass media raised the group participants' awareness of LASIK and gave them basic information about LASIK. The group participants exchanged information through personal media. Moreover, they used internet for further information 2. Most of the group participants had basic knowledge about LASIK's concept and its temporary side effects 3. Even though, all of the group participants had good feeling towards LASIK but they felt insecure to participate in 4. All of the group participants didn't have any intention to participate in LASIK eye surgery within 1-2 years because they were fear of its outcome and side effects. Moreover, they needed more information.