A Retrospective Study of the Prevalence and Patterns of Ocular Morbidities among Adults in Rivers State
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Abstract
Background: Eye diseases in adults encompass a range of conditions that significantly affect visual function and overall quality of life. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and pattern of occurrence of adult ocular morbidities in Rivers State from 2019 to 2023.
Methods: This was a retrospective study involving all cases of eye disorders recorded at the Rumuokwurusi Model Primary Health Centre (MPHC) and Obio Cottage Hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
Results: This study revealed that the prevalence of adult ocular morbidities was 442 (97.6%). Common adult ocular morbidities included eye irritation (60%), refractive errors (49%), far vision (36%), near vision (34%), and red eye (32%). Significant associations existed between the age of the adults and the occurrence of certain ocular morbidities including cataract (p < 0.001), loss of vision (p = 0.009), glaucoma (p = 0.026), blurry vision (p = 0.005) and red eye (p = 0.003). Significant association was only found to exist between sex and cataract (p = 0.047).
Conclusion: This high prevalence and these significant associations are major public health concerns and therefore requires concerted efforts to tackle them including creating public awareness, and scaling-up of primary eye care services.
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