PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AMONG ADULT DIABETIC PATIENTS VISITING ADARE GENERAL HOSPITAL, HAWASSA, SOUTH ETHIOPIA, 2022

Abstract

Abstract Background: The increased prevalence of visual impairment among diabetic patients

has become a major public health problem. There is, however, limited information

on the extent of visual impairment among diabetic patients in our country, particularly in the study area. Providing updated data regarding this area is critical for the prevention of visual impairment among diabetic patients. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adult diabetic patients visiting Adare General Hospital, Hawassa, South Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on adult diabetic patients from May 30 to July 15, 2022, at Adare General Hospital, Hawassa, South Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 398 study participants. Data was collected through a face-to-face interview, medical chart review,

and an ocular examination. A binary logistic regression was performed to identify potential

risk factors of visual impairment and their strength of association was expressed using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Variables with

a P-value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Result: In this study, a total of 391 participants were involved, with a response rate

of 98.2%. The prevalence of visual impairment was 28.6% (95% CI: 24.6-33.0). Age

? 60 years (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.72, 10.71), poor physical exercise (AOR = 3.26,

95% CI: 1.62, 6.53), poor glycemic control (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI: 2.26, 8.34), history

of eye examination (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.50, 5.76), duration of diabetes ? 9 years

(AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: 2.11, 10.83) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (AOR = 3.01,

95% CI: 1.21, 7.50) were positively associated with visual impairment.

Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment among adult diabetic patients was

lower

than studies done in Ethiopia. Older age, longer duration of diabetes, poor physical exercise, poor glycemic control, no history of eye examination, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were significantly associated with visual impairment. Thus, regular physical activity, good control of glucose levels, and regular eye exams were recommended for all diabetic patients. Keywords: Prevalence, Visual impairment, Diabetic patients, Hawassa, South Ethiopia