Prevalence of cataract amongst adults above 50 years in a rural community of Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Swarastra Prakash Singh; Dr Rajeev Kumar; Mr. Amit Kumar Verma

Volume : IX, Issue : III, March - 2019

Prevalence of cataract amongst adults above 50 years in a rural community of Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Swarastra Prakash Singh, Dr Rajeev Kumar, Mr. Amit Kumar Verma

Abstract :

Background: In India, overall prevalence of blindness is 1.1%, the principal cause being cataract (62.6%) affecting over 9 million people. Objectives: The present study was carried out to find the prevalence, barriers and facilitating factors related to cataract health services in a rural community of Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods: A cross–sectional survey was carried for a period of 4 months during September–December 2018 in Nabi Panah village of Malihabad district. All adults above 50 years of age (n = 300), were examined for lenticular opacity and visual acuity. A structured proforma was used to assess the awareness, barriers and facilitating factors related to available cataract health services. Results: The prevalence of cataract among the population studied was 66.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.5–67.9%). There was a significant increase in cataract with increase in age (P < 0.001). Only 10% (95% CI: 9.6–16.3%) of the persons with cataract were operated at the time of interview. The major barriers were no one to accompany (25%) and absence of felt need (16.7%). The facilitating factors were free surgery in camps (40%), self–decision due to defective vision (30%) and quality of service provided (15%). More than one–half (55.5%) of subjects diagnosed for cataract during the survey were willing to be operated. Conclusion: Prevalence of cataract was high in the study area. It is vital to increase the level of awareness regarding the need and availability of cataract health services