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Author
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Taruvinga, Tafadzwa
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Marime, Pauline
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Chipungu, Prince
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Title
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Prevalence and risk factors of cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy in people aged 50 years and above in Mashonaland Central
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Abstract
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Background: Age-related ocular diseases such as Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) are among the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness globally, especially in populations aged 50 years and above. In Zimbabwe, limited data exists on the prevalence and contributing risk factors of these conditions in rural and semi-urban settings such as Mashonaland Central.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify associated risk factors of Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy among patients aged 50 years and above attending hospitals in Mashonaland Central.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 60 participants aged 50 years and above. Data on demographics, medical history, lifestyle behaviors, and clinical eye examination findings were collected. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests, was performed to determine associations between ocular diseases and potential risk factors such as age, gender, smoking, alcohol intake, diabetes, hypertension, BMI, and exercise habits.
Results: Cataracts emerged as the most prevalent condition, followed by Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy. Significant associations were observed between cataracts and gender (p = 0.005), smoking (p = 0.0086), alcohol intake (p = 0.0008), diabetes (p = 0.0046), age (p = 0), BMI (p = 0), and duration of diabetes (p = 0). Diabetic Retinopathy showed a strong association with age and duration of diabetes, while Glaucoma showed fewer significant associations.
Conclusion: The study highlights a high burden of cataracts and a notable presence of Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy among the elderly population in Mashonaland Central. Age, lifestyle factors, and chronic conditions such as diabetes significantly influence ocular disease prevalence. These findings underscore the need for targeted screening programs, public education, and early intervention strategies to prevent avoidable blindness in aging populations.
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Date
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June 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Diabetic Retinopathy
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Glaucoma
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Cataracts
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Body Mass Index
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Visual impairment
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Supervisor
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Dr. A. Mashoko
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Dr. C. N. Mtuwa
