Survey on prevalence of cataract in selected communities in Limpopo Province of South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundOver three-quarters of all blindness worldwide are preventable and usually caused by cataract. However data on the prevalence and risk factors about cataract are not always available in South Africa. This study sought to determine prevalence and factors associated with cataracts in selected communities in Limpopo Province of South Africa. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on respondents aged 18 years and above in selected villages of Vhembe District. Visual Acuity (VA) was evaluated at 6 m using Snellen's E chart whilst eye examinations were conducted using torch light, 2.5 X magnifying lenses and an ophthalmoscope. Chi Squared tests (χ2) and Multiple Logistic Regressions (MLRs) were conducted to determine associations of different variables using STATA V 13 SE. ResultsAbout 387 out 467 targeted respondents participated in the study. Household heads were the majority of the respondents (246; 63.6%). Cataract prevalence amongst respondents was estimated at 44% of which 261 (67.4%) were females with 3.1% of the respondents having permanent blindness. Cataract knowledge still remains low as 228 (58.9%) and Age of respondent, gender specific, marital status, occupation, and primary care giver were significantly associated with prevalence of cataracts. ConclusionsThere is an urgent need to improve eye care services so as to improve access to cataract surgery as soon as one is diagnosed. There is also need to conduct community awareness campaigns that are gender specific so as to improve community members’ knowledge on cataracts and ensure they develop proactive eye services seeking behavior. This would minimize chances of the community members suffering permanent blindness due to cataracts.