Cataract and associated factors among adults visiting ophthalmic clinic at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia, 2020

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, it is estimated that 2.2 billion people have a visual impairment, of which around 65.2 million is due to cataract. Cataract is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, with the greatest burden found in low-income countries. That is providing recent epidemiological data is very crucial to design intervention measures. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of cataract among adults visiting ophthalmic clinic, Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: The sample size was calculated using single population formula and determined to be 174. All adult participants aged ⩾40 were the source population and those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were the study population. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design using a systematic random sampling technique was conducted from July to August, 2020. Semi-structured questionnaires and patients’ card were used to collect data. Data were entered into epi-data version 4.6 and the analysis was conducted using SPSS-25 software. Data were presented using graphs, tables and texts. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with cataract. Adjusted odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval was computed to show the strength of association. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: From a total of 174 samples, 158 participated, giving a response rate of 90.8%. The prevalence of cataract was found to be 90 (57%). The variables—age 60–69 years (adjusted odds ratio = 6.667, 95% confidence interval: (1.662, 13.101)); age 70–79 years (adjusted odds ratio = 9.583, 95% confidence interval: (2.840, 32.342)), and single marital status (adjusted odds ratio = 2.945, 95% confidence interval: (1.241, 6.989))—had a significant association with cataract. Conclusion: The prevalence of cataract was found to be very high, which needs immediate intervention. Older age and single marital status were found to be significantly associated with cataract prevalence.

Visually significant cataract and associated factors among older people attending a community ophthalmic service in central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

“…In our study, unmarried participants were 1.9 times more likely to have visually significant cataract than their married counterparts. This finding is in line with studies conducted in Debre Markos Hospital, 8 South Africa, 29 and multicenter studies in Kenya, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. 39 Unmarried status (widowed, divorced, and single) could lead to visually significant cataract owing to a lack of social support and having poor information concerning eye care services, including cataract surgery.…”

“… 26 This discrepancy could be attributed to differences in sociodemographic characteristics of the study populations as well as differences in study settings and availability and accessibility of cataract surgical services in the study areas. However, the prevalence in our study was lower than those in reported in Debre Markos Hospital, Ethiopia (57%), 8 Tamil Nadu (62.8%), 27 and Russia (44.6%). 28 These differences might be owing to variations in the study populations, sample sizes, and study areas.…”

“…For instance, participants aged ≥60 years were 8.2 times more likely to have visually significant cataract. This finding is supported by studies done in Debre Markos Hospital, Ethiopia, 8 Kenya, 34 South Africa, 29 Sri Lanka, 31 Indigenous Australia, 32 and Russia. 28 With older age, oxidative damage to the lens protein could increase owing to prolonged sunlight exposure and a reduced level of antioxidant nutrients.…”

“…Study participants’ age groupings were categorized as 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 years. 8 Current marital status was categorized as unmarried (single, divorced, or widowed) and currently married.…”

“… 5 Community and institutionally based studies conducted in Ethiopia have revealed that the prevalence of cataract ranges from 9.7% to 57%. 6 – 8 …”