Prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among adult glaucoma patients attending University of Gondar, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic degenerative neuropathy characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. It poses a significant public health concern as it is the second leading cause of blindness after cataract, and this blindness is irreversible. Objectives To assess the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factor among adult glaucoma patients attending University Gondar, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022. Methods and materials: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 423 glaucoma patients selected by systematic random sampling technique from May 15 – June 30, 2022 at University Gondar, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center. Data was collected through a face to face interview using a pretested structured questionnaire and medical chart review. The descriptive analysis was summarized by frequency, percent and summary statistics. Binary logistic regression was fitted and variables which had P value of < 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered as statistically significantly associated. Results The study found 77.6% (95% CI: 74.2%-82.9%) visual impairment among adult glaucomatous participants. Female sex (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.18–3.48), rural residence (AOR = 2.45 95% CI: 1.91–3.33), primary open angle glaucoma (AOR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.35–2.97), advanced stage of glaucoma (AOR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.05–6.17), and longer duration of diagnosis (AOR = 3.89, 95%CI: 2.29–6.58) had statistically significant association with visual impairment among adult patients with glaucoma. Conclusion and recommendation: Visual impairment is found to be significantly higher among adult glaucoma patients attending University of Gondar, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center. Female sex, rural residence, primary open angle glaucoma, advanced stage of glaucoma, and longer duration of diagnosis had statistically significant association with visual impairment among adult glaucoma patients. Early detection and management of glaucoma is vital to reduce glaucoma related visual disability meaningfully.