Open AccessFactors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among adult patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda
Author(s) -
Francis O Sebabi,
Walter Okello,
Faith Nakubulwa,
Rogers Sempindu,
Catherine Driciru,
Caroline Nalukenge,
Ben Mulinde,
Lydia Nakiyingi,
Damalie Nakanjako,
Grace Ssali,
Anne A Musika
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
african health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.391
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1729-0503
pISSN - 1680-6905
DOI - 10.4314/ahs.v21i3.36
Subject(s) - medicine , cataract surgery , referral , blindness , logistic regression , cross sectional study , pediatrics , optometry , ophthalmology , family medicine , pathology
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 pa- tients 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 impair- ment or blindness were recruited. Patient-related factors for delayed surgery were assessed using a predetermined question- naire. 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 partic- ipants 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 asso- ciated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among cataract patients. We recommend cataract surgical outreach to remote areas and health education.
Keywords: Risk factors; operable cataract; cataract; surgery; Uganda; sub-Saharan Africa.