Utilization of eye care services among those with unilateral visual impairment in rural South India: Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study (APEDS)
Journal Title: International Journal of Ophthalmology - Year 2017, Vol 10, Issue 3
Abstract
"AIM: To report on the utilization of eye care services and its associated factors among those with unilateral visual impairment (VI) in a rural South Indian population. METHODS: A population based cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts (Adilabad, Mahbubnagar and West Godavari) in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. A detailed interview and a comprehensive eye examination were conducted. Those with unilateral VI were asked questions about noticing any change in vision and on utilization of eye care services. The most important reason reported by the participant for not utilizing the services was used for the analysis. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between noticing a change in vision and socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, education and area of residence, severity and causes of VI. RESULTS: Among the 4456 participants aged ≥16y who were administered the questionnaire, 53.2% were women, and 54.7% had no education. Of the 489 (11%; 95% CI: 10.1-11.9) people with unilateral VI, 399 (81.6%) participants reported noticing a change in their vision over the last five years but only 136 (34.1%) participants had sought eye care consultation. Those who had any education (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.2), had blindness (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.4-5.2), and cataract (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-4.3) as a cause of unilateral VI were more like to seek eye care consultations. The most commonly reported reasons for not seeking eye care services were “do not have money for eye checkup” in 30.7% of the participants followed by “do not have a serious problem” (30.0%). CONCLUSION: A large proportion of rural population though noticed a change in their vision did not seek eye care due to financial and person-related reasons. Eye care service providers need to address these barriers to enhance the uptake of eye care services among those with unilateral VI."
Authors and Affiliations
Srinivas Marmamula
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP610429
- DOI 10.18240/ijo.2017.03.23
- Views 70
- Downloads 0
Photorefractive keratectomy after cataract surgery in uncommon cases: long-term results
"AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the excimer laser correction of the residual refractive errors after cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in uncommon cases. METHODS: Totally 24 patien...
Analyzing cytokines as biomarkers to evaluate severity of glaucoma
"AIM: To analyze cytokines as biomarkers for evaluation of severity of glaucoma. METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study including 29 eyes with glaucoma. Besides, 28 eyes with senile cataract were used as cont...
Efficacy and safety of micropulse laser trabeculoplasty for primary open angle glaucoma
"AIM: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: Retrospective study. POAG patients undergoing MLT in Peking University Third...
Ocular penetration of topically applied 1% tigecycline in a rabbit model
"AIM: To evaluate ocular penetration of topically applied 1% tigecycline. METHODS: Forty-two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 3 groups. A 50 μL drop of 1% tigecycline was administered in group 1. In groups 2 a...
Primary sino-orbital peripheral T-cell lymphoma presenting as unilateral periorbital swelling: a case report
Letter to the editor