Factors Affecting Unmet Need for Presbyopia Correction Among School Teachers in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Uncorrected presbyopia is the leading cause of near visual impairment among working-age adults in the world. In Ethiopia, there was limited evidence on the magnitude of uncorrected presbyopia and its associated factors among school teachers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of untreated presbyopia and its associated factors among school teachers in Debre Tabor town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 448 school teachers at Debre Tabor town using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a face-to-face interview and a comprehensive ocular examination. A binary multivariable logistic regression model was conducted to identify associated factors of the uncorrected presbyopia. Results: Generally, the prevalence of uncorrected presbyopia among school teachers was 63.62% (95% CI: 59.2-67.9). Age (35-45) (AOR: 4.56, 95% CI: 1.74, 11.91), female gender (AOR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.75, 5.26), unaware of presbyopia (AOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.25), unaware of refraction site (AOR: 4.21, 95% CI: 2.42, 7.33), no eye checkup history (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.52, 5.01), and no family history of spectacle use (AOR: 2.61, 95% 4.67) were significantly associated with uncorrected presbyopia. Conclusion: In the current study, the magnitude of uncorrected presbyopia was high. Age below 45 years, female gender, lack of awareness of presbyopia and refraction site, lack of history of eye checkups, and family spectacle use were significantly associated with uncorrected presbyopia. The early correction of presbyopia, health education on presbyopia, and the provision of affordable spectacle corrections for school teachers were recommended.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Ocular Manifestations of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Among Adults at University of Gondar Hospital, North West Ethiopia, 2021.

Introduction: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a disease with common clinical ocular manifestations. Ocular manifestations lead to blindness, which has a common social and economic impact. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of ocular manifestations of acquired immune deficiency syndrome among adults at the University of Gondar Hospital, North West Ethiopia, 2021. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 401 patients from June to August 2021. Samples were selected based on a systematic random sampling technique. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires. Data extraction format was used to collect the clinical characteristics of patients including ocular manifestations. Data entry was done by EpiData version 4.6.0.6 and exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 for data analysis. Associated factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression. P-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence level was used to declare a significant association. Results: A total of 401 patients were involved with a response rate of 91.5%. The overall prevalence of ocular manifestations of acquired immune deficiency syndrome was 28.9%. The common ocular manifestations were seborrheic blepharitis at 16.4% and squamoid conjunctival growth at 4.5%. Age >35 years (AOR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.35), Clusters of differentiation 4 count <200 cells/µL (AOR=4.76, 95% CI:2.50, 9.09), World Health Organization stage II (AOR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.23, 5.50), history of eye disease (AOR=3.05, 95% CI: 1.38, 6.72), and duration of Human Immunodeficiency Virus >5 years (AOR=2.79, 95% CI: 1.29, 6.05) were statistically associated with the ocular manifestation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Conclusion and recommendations: In this study, the prevalence of ocular manifestation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome was high. Age, CD4 count, duration of HIV, eye disease history, and WHO clinical staging were the significant factors. Early eye checkups and regular ocular examinations of HIV patients would be helpful.

Attitude Towards Traditional Eye Medicine and Associated Factors Among Adult Ophthalmic Patients Attending University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital-Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Traditional eye medicine is a form of biologically based therapies, practices, or partially processed organic or inorganic agents that can be applied to the eye and lead to a blinding complication. Attitude towards those medicines plays a pertinent role in the practice of those traditional eye medicines. OBJECTIVE: To determine attitude towards traditional eye medicine and associated factors among adult ophthalmic patients attending University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital-Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 417 newly presenting adult ophthalmic patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method from June 22 to August 11, 2020. The data from the interview-based structured questionnaire were entered into Epi Info 7 and analyzed by SPSS 20. Frequency and cross-tabulations were used for descriptive analysis. Association between variables was analyzed using binary logistic regression through the enter method with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 417 subjects with a 98.8% response rate have participated in the study. Of the total study subjects, 60.7% (253) (95% CI: 19-26%) had a positive attitude towards traditional eye medicine. Residing in a rural area (AOR=6.46 (95% CI: 2.89-14.45)), positive family history of traditional eye medicine use (AOR=8.01 (95% CI: 4.17-15.37)) and availability of traditional healer (AOR=19.43 (95% CI: 12.06-31.64)) were significantly associated with a positive attitude towards traditional eye medicine. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Most adult ophthalmic patients had a positive attitude towards traditional eye medicine. Residing in a rural, availability of a traditional healer, and positive family history of traditional eye medicine use had a significant positive association with a positive attitude. Educating the traditional healers on safe practices is crucial in reducing the burden.

Are Nonprescription Sunglasses in Ethiopian Market Protective for Ultraviolet Radiation?

BACKGROUND: Nonprescription sunglasses are available in bulk from authorized and unauthorized vendors. Sunglasses should follow the minimum requirements to sufficiently protect the eyes. In this study, we found that a significant proportion of nonprescription sunglasses available at authorized and unauthorized sources were not protective of ultraviolet radiation. PURPOSE: Protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation with sunglasses minimizes or avoids ocular complications. In developing countries like Ethiopia, sunglasses are imported without regulation. Sunglasses are distributed to the market without regulatory tests for potential causes of ocular complications. The purpose of this study was to determine commercially available nonprescription sunglasses' ultraviolet radiation protection level. METHODS: A total of 74 pairs of nonprescription sunglasses were collected from different parts of the country and tested for ultraviolet radiation protection using ultraviolet detector (anti-radiation UV sun detector, China) instrument. Brand, lens color and average of three readings of ultraviolet radiation protection were recorded. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection standard followed. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed. RESULTS: Of the total 74 different pairs of nonprescription sunglasses, 47.3% (35) were obtained from authorized sources and 86.5% (p=0.23) were brand tagged. Only 73.0% (p=0.81) of nonprescription sunglasses were in accordance with the standards and protective to ultraviolet radiation, while the remaining 27.0% (p=0.59) were failed to block the harmful ultraviolet radiation. Upon one sample t-test, the mean ultraviolet radiation protection level of commercially available sunglasses was 392.77 (t-value= -7681.54, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Significant proportions of nonprescription sunglasses available from vendors were not protective of ultraviolet radiation and performed below the expected international standards. Reassurance is mandatory before dispensed to users irrespective of source.

Willingness to Pay for Spectacle: An Outreach-Based Cross-sectional Study.

AIM: The ophthalmic service lacks to supply spectacles following standard refraction, because of the absence of the optical dispensing unit. The aim was to determine willingness to pay for a pair of spectacles among presbyopic people if the service begins. METHODS: An interview-based questionnaire was employed among presbyopic people, who were refracted during a community-based outreach service conducted at Debre-Tabor town, South Gondar. RESULTS: A total of 322 study subjects have completed the questionnaire. The median value of gross monthly income was US $75.0 (Range from US $7.1-321.4). The mean amount of willing to pay for a pair of spectacles was US $17.9 (Range from US $1.1-107.1). Participants who were willing to pay at least US $12.5 (minimum cost at the public optical dispensing unit) for a pair of spectacles accounted 63.0% (95% CI: 57.8-68.3). Based on multivariable logistics regression output analysis age (P = .049), occupation (P = .001), monthly income (p = .001), and positive history of previous spectacles wear (P = .005) show statistically significant association with willingness to pay for a pair of spectacles. CONCLUSION: In the study area, the mean amount willing to pay for a pair of spectacles was higher than the average set of the price at the public optical dispensing units in Gondar. Public willingness to pay for a pair of spectacles could be considered as an assurance to set up an affordable and financially sustainable spectacle supply service. Conducted on a community-based outreach service may likely pool keen population segments to overestimate the result. Abbreviations: ANOVA: Analysis of Variance; CI: Confidence Interval; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Science; USA: United States of America; US$: United States dollar.

Visual Impairment among Primary School Children in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: An impairment of the visual system at or shortly after birth adversely affects educational performance of children which typically occurs through vision. Limited evidence on the magnitude and causes of visual impairment is one of the reasons for the low priority given to eye care in low-income countries. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and determine the causes of visual impairment in primary school children in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1289 children aged 5-15 years who were randomly selected in 9 primary schools (government and private) from May to June 2016. Visual acuity was measured at 6 m using Snellen's chart, and children with an acuity of less than 6/18 in the better eye underwent refraction and a detailed eye examination. A cause of their impairment was determined. Data were recorded using pretested tools. . Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 was used to enter and analyze the data using 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of visual impairment was 1.8%. Refractive errors (nearly 70%) followed by strabismus and cataract, each contributing 4.3%, were the most frequent causes of visual impairment in the study population. Majority (87%) of the children had moderate degree of vision impairment, and 10-15-year age groups are the more affected ones. Children of age fifteen and above showed statistically significant association with visual impairment (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: The magnitude of visual impairment in primary school children in the study area is significant. School screening programme is recommended to minimize the burden of visual impairment in the study area.

Proportion of Ophthalmic Self-Medication and Associated Factors among Adult Ophthalmic Patients Attending Borumeda Hospital, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of ophthalmic self-medication and associated factors among adult ophthalmic patients attending Borumeda Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia, 2019. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 402 participants at Borumeda Hospital from April 29 to May 24, 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used to get study participants. Data were collected with a face-to-face interview by using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi Info 7 and analyzed by SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were employed. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The proportion of ophthalmic self-medication was 28.6% (95% CI; 24.6-33.3). Age-group 29-42 years (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.06-4.52), absence of health insurance (AOR: 4.29; 2.35-7.84), more than 10 kilometer traveling distance to get eye services (AOR: 3.11; 1.58-6.12), previous experience of ocular illness (AOR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.53-4.48), family or friend experience of ocular illness (AOR: 2.65, 95%CI: 1.43-4.92), availability of ophthalmic medicine bottle/tube at home (AOR: 4.59, 95% CI: 2.36-8.92), and poor knowledge about hazards of self-medication (AOR: 6.22; 3.26-11.85) were significantly associated with ophthalmic self-medication. Conclusion and Recommendations. The proportion of ophthalmic self-medication was high, which needs stakeholders' attention. The policymakers and regulatory body better to scale-up health insurance coverage, nearby accessible eye care services, improve knowledge of patients regarding the effect of ophthalmic self-medication, and proper disposal of leftover eye medication from the house. It is better to take regulatory actions on those who dispense ophthalmic medications without prescription.

Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Visual Impairment Among School-Age Children In Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Visual impairment (VI) is one of the major public health problems in the world. It is highly prevalent among children in sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia. Worldwide, the magnitude of VI among school-age children is 1%-10%. However, there was limited information regarding the prevalence and associated factors of VI among school-age children in the study area, which is essential to plan and implement appropriate interventions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of VI among school-age children livin g in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was done on a sample of 632 school-age children selected by multistage sampling in Bahir Dar from April 30 to May 15, 2018. Data were collected through interviews and physical examinations. Face-to-face interviews were done with a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Physical examinations were done with visual acuity measures and assessment of ocular pathology by optometrists. Data were entered into Epi Info 7 and exported to and analyzed with SPSS 20. Binary logistic regression was fitted, and variables with P<0.05 in the multivariate model were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 601 study subjects were included in this study, giving a response rate of 95.2%. The median age was 13 (IQR 11-16) years, and 303 (50.3%) were male. Prevalence of VI was 52 (8.7%, 95% CI 6.2%-10.7%). In multivariate analysis, prematurity [AOR 2.8 (95% CI 1.19-6.83)], admission to a neonatal intensive-care unit (AOR 5.5, 95% CI 2.01-15.15), having a parent with VI (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 0.13-0.97), watching television from <2 m (AOR 8.7, 95% CI 1.49-18.24), and mobile-phone exposure >4 hours per day (AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.32-4.45) were factors significantly associated with VI. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VI among school-age children in Bahir Dar was significant. Premature birth, admission to a neonatal intensive-care unit, having a parent with VI, watching television from <2 m, and mobile exposure >4 hours per day were significantly associated.

Prevalence and associated factors of computer vision syndrome among bank workers in Gondar City, northwest Ethiopia, 2015.

INTRODUCTION: Use of computers is generally encouraged; this is to keep up with the fast-moving world of technology, research and science. Extensive use of computers will result in computer vision syndrome (CVS), and the prevalence is increased dramatically. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of CVS among bank workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional institution-based study was conducted among computer-using bank workers in Gondar city from April to June, 2015. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and observations with checklists, entered with Epi Info™ 7 and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were carried out to compute the different rates, proportion and relevant associations. RESULTS: Among the total 304 computer-using bank workers, the prevalence of CVS was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI]=68.04, 78.02). Blurred vision (42.4%), headache (23.0%) and redness (23.0%) were the most experienced symptoms. Inappropriate sitting position was 2.3 times (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.33; 95% CI=1.27, 4.28) more likely to be associated with CVS when compared with appropriate sitting position. Those working on the computer for more than 20 minutes without break were nearly 2 times (AOR=1.93; 95% CI=1.11, 3.35) more likely to have suffered from CVS when compared with those taking break within 20 minutes, and those wearing eye glasses were 3 times (AOR=3.19; 95% CI=1.07, 9.51) more likely to suffer from CVS when compared with those not wearing glasses. CONCLUSION: About three-fourths of computer-using bank workers suffered from CVS with the most experienced symptoms being blurred vision, headache and redness of eyes. In appropriate sitting position, working on the computer without a break for more than 20 minutes and wearing eye glasses were independently associated with CVS.