Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Low vision is a worldwide health problem in both developing and developed
countries. According to global health estimator report and national survey of Ethiopia,
global and national prevalence of low vision are 2.90% and 3.7%, respectively. Patients
with low vision usually experience physical, economic, and psychological changes that
diminish their quality of life if neglected. But there are few low vision service provider
centers in country. Thus, this study assessed magnitude and associated factors of low
vision in study area which helps to establish and advance low vision service.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated
factors of low vision among adult patients attending University of Gondar tertiary eye care
and training center.
Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from April 18 to May16,
2019 and Systematic Random sampling technique was used to select 727 study
participants. Data were collected with 5 trained optometrists by using structured and pre
tested Amharic version questionnaire combined with physical and slit lamp eye
examination. Data was entered into EPIINFO version 7 and analysis was done by
statistical package for social science (SPSS) version20.Both bi variable and multivariable
binary logistic regression model were fitted to identify factors associated with low vision.
The Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to find
out the strength of association and variables with a P -value of < 0.05 was consider as
statistically significant.
Results: A total of 715 patients were participated in this study with a mean age of
49.39±19.93 years. The prevalence of low vision was35.7% (95%CI: 32.3, 39.3). Being
female(AOR=1.58;95%CI:1.10,2.28),no formal education(AOR=2.24;95%CI:
1.25,4.02),history of intraocular surgery(AOR=2.58;95%CI:1.53,4.36) and ages ?70 years
old (AOR:3.96;95%CI:2.21,7.10) were significantly associated with low vision.
Conclusion and recommendation: the prevalence of low vision found in this study was
high as compared with national and global. Older age, being female, previous history
intraocular surgery and no formal education level were independently and significantly
associated with low vision. Therefore, it requires a plan to develop preventive programs,
early intervention and establish low vision rehabilitation center.
