Factors associated with ocular injuries among adult road traffic accident patients presenting at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda

Background

Ocular trauma is the leading cause of unilateral blindness globally. Road traffic accidents are among the top risk factors for ocular trauma.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with ocular injuries among adult road traffic accident patients at Mulago Hospital, Uganda.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult road traffic accident patients. History taking and ophthalmological examination were performed on consenting participants. Data was analysed using STATA version 14.0.

Results

Overall, 428 road traffic accident cases were enrolled, of which majority (84.3%) were male. Age 30-39years (aOR = 0.58, 0.36 - 0.94, p = 0.027), being male (aOR = 2.64, 1.21 - 5.13, p = 0.004) and being a passenger of motor vehicle/cycle (aOR = 3.85, 1.49 - 9.93, p = 0.005) were the factors associated with ocular injuries among the participants.

Conclusions

Age 30-39 years, male gender and being a passenger of motor vehicle/cycle were the factors associated with ocular injuries among the adult road traffic accident patients. Ocular injuries were more common among the road users who did not use safety measures. Use of safety measure by passengers of motor vehicles and cycles is recommended.

Prevalence and risk factors for visual impairment among elderly patients attending the eye clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Background

The elderly have an increased risk of developing visual impairment (VI). Due to the increase in life expectancy of individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa, the population of the elderly is projected to increase. It is thus postulated that the prevalence of VI will increase which is currently unknown in Uganda.

Objective

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for VI among the elderly at Mulago National Referral Hospital eye clinic in Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 2020 with consecutive enrolment of patients aged 60 years and above. Obtaining history was followed by systemic and ocular examination. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with VI.

Results

Of 346 elderly participants examined, 174 (50.3%) were males and median age was 67 (IQR 63–74). Prevalence of VI was 32.1%. Cataract was the leading cause of blindness 54.1%, followed by refractive error (21.6%), glaucoma (11.7%), and corneal opacities (5.4%). Age (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR): 1.05, 95% CI (1.02, 1.06)), history of diabetes mellitus (aPR 1.46, 95%CI (1.04, 2.05)), history of hypertension (aPR 1.46, 95%CI (1.10, 1.93)), having completed primary level of education (aPR 0.74, 95%CI (0.55, 0.98)) and secondary level of education (aPR 0.47, 95%CI (0.30,0.73)), presence of a cataract at examination (aPR: 2.28, 95%CI (1.66, 3.13)) were statistically significantly associated with VI.

Conclusion

In Mulago hospital, the prevalence of VI among the elderly is high with majority of the causes being correctable. We recommend that efforts towards early case identification of causes of VI among the elderly should be a priority.

Factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among adult patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda

BACKGROUND

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally. Many patients with cataract in developing countries delay to come for cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among adult patients seen at Mulago National Referral Hospital eye clinic in Uganda.

METHODS

Employing a hospital based cross-sectional study, adult patients with cataract and having moderate visual impairment or blindness were recruited. Patient-related factors for delayed surgery were assessed using a predetermined questionnaire. Data was analyzed using stata version 14.2. Logistic regressions were used to determine the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among these patients.

RESULTS

Eighty two participants with operable cataract were evaluated. Females were 44 (54%) and the mean age of participants was 67 years. Fifty three (65%) had delayed uptake of cataract surgery. The factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among patients with cataract were financial constraint, felt no need for surgery and good unilateral vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Financial constraints, no felt need for cataract surgery and having good unilateral vision are the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among cataract patients. We recommend cataract surgical outreach to remote areas and health education.