A cross-sectional observational study to assess the prevalence and distribution of ophthalmological comorbidities among nursing personnel in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Higher incidence of ill health among the nurses may jeopardize the performance of any hospital. Irony of the situation is that despite being at the center of the healthcare delivery apparatus, there is a strong element of neglect about the health issues of the nursing community. Objectives: This study aims to observe and analyze the pattern of ophthalmological morbidity among nursing care personnel in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and thirty nursing personnel at the tertiary care hospital underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examination and as and when required underwent ophthalmic investigations after eliciting proper history. Results: The mean age of the study population was 48.6 ± 0.8 years. The majority (86%) had mild or no visual impairment (P < 0.00, χ2: 51.8). The uncorrected refractive error was found to be the common cause of visual impairment (51%) among the study population. About 80% of the study population having visual impairment had reversible causes (P < 0.00, χ2: 37); 87% of the study population with visual impairment were not aware of their visual condition (P < 0.00, χ2: 54.8). Around 78% of the study population had not undergone comprehensive ophthalmological examination in the last 12 months (P < 0.00, χ2: 31.4). Conclusion: Regular comprehensive ophthalmological examination and necessary intervention can lead to prevention of visual impairment among the nursing personnel. This is essential for providing, maintaining, and escalating the level of patient care delivery in any tertiary care hospital.