Abstract
BackgroundChanges in function of sensory organs with increasing age have significant impact on health and wellbeing of older persons. This paper describes cataract, a chronic eye condition, self-reported among older adults in Ghana and the need for improving access to eye care services.MethodsThis work was based on the World Health Organization’s multi-country Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. SAGE Wave 1 in Ghana was conducted in 2007–2008 in a nationally representative sample of 4278 older adults, ≥ 50 years. Data were obtained on sociodemographic and health factors related to self-reported cataracts in older persons in Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive measures (frequencies and proportions), chi-square test for associations in categorical outcome measures, and logistic regression for predictors of cataracts with SPSS version 21.ResultsOverall prevalence of self-reported cataracts among 4278 older adults in Ghana was 5.4%. Prevalence was proportionately higher for women (5.9%) than men (4.7%). Reported cataracts increased with age, among urban residents, in older adults living without partners and among those with the worse life satisfaction index. Older adults in lower income groups, poorly educated or living alone had difficulty seeking vision care services. Prevalence was 8.4% among persons with diabetes, 10.4% among hypertensives and 11.4% in persons with previous history of stroke. Among older persons who had ever used alcohol or tobacco, prevalence rates of reported cataracts were 5.7% and 4.9%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis indicated that increasing age, lower income status and self-reported hypertension were significantly associated with cataract among older adults in Ghana.ConclusionsCataract is prevalent in older people in Ghana with approximately 1 in 20 people aged 50 years or older reporting a previous diagnosis of cataract. As cataract surgery is restorative, a public health approach on behavioural modification, well structured national outreach eye care services (for rural residents), inclusion of basic eye health services at sub-district levels, increased family support and national health insurance for older persons is indicated.
Highlights
Changes in function of sensory organs with increasing age have significant impact on health and wellbeing of older persons
The burden of cataracts is not limited to financial costs to society alone, older persons living with un-operated cataracts are likely to have significantly reduced quality of life due to low vision
Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 was undertaken in Ghana in a partnership between the University of Ghana’s Department of Community Health, the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO), as part of a multi-country longitudinal study to complement existing aging data sources and to inform policy and programmes [17,18]
Summary
Changes in function of sensory organs with increasing age have significant impact on health and wellbeing of older persons. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness accounting for nearly 48% of blindness globally [1,2]. It poses a substantial economic and public health burden especially in developing countries. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report on global blindness, approximately 90% of global cataract is seen in developing. The burden of cataracts is not limited to financial costs to society alone, older persons living with un-operated cataracts are likely to have significantly reduced quality of life due to low vision. Decreases in functional abilities may be attributed to other age-related processes but may be associated with the onset of cataract
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