Abstract
ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to examine the self-reported, routine clinical practice behaviors of Australian optometrists with respect to advice regarding smoking, diet and nutritional supplementation. The study also sought to assess the potential influence of practitioner age, gender, practice location (major city versus regional), therapeutic-endorsement status and personal nutritional supplementation habits upon management practices in these areas.MethodsA survey was electronically distributed to Australian optometrists (n = 4,242). Respondents anonymously provided information about their personal demographics and lifestyle behaviors (i.e., age, gender, practice location, therapeutic-endorsement status, smoking status, nutritional supplement intake) and routine patient management practices with respect to advice across three domains: smoking, diet and nutritional supplementation. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess for potential effects of the listed factors on practitioner behavior.ResultsA total of 283 completed surveys were received (completed survey response rate: 6.7%). Fewer than half of respondents indicated routinely asking their patients about smoking status. Younger practitioners were significantly (p < 0.05) less likely to enquire about patients’ smoking behaviors, but this did not extend to counseling for smoking cessation. Almost two-thirds of respondents indicated routinely counseling patients about diet. About half of practitioners specified routinely asking their patients about nutritional supplement intake; this form of questioning was significantly more likely if the respondent was female (p < 0.05). Practitioners who recommended nutritional supplements most commonly did so for age-related macular degeneration (91.2%) and dry eye disease (63.9%). The primary source of evidence used to guide practitioners’ nutrition-related patient management was reported to be peer-reviewed publications.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that there are no clear predictors of practitioner behavior across the three domains. Overall, this study suggests that there is scope for Australian optometrists to improve their routine engagement by questioning patients, as well as providing evidence-based clinical advice, about smoking status, diet and nutritional supplement behaviors, being key modifiable lifestyle risk factors with long-term implications for eye health.
Highlights
Cigarette smoking, diet and nutritional supplementation are major modifiable lifestyle factors that can strongly influence the long-term risk of sight-threatening ocular pathology
This study suggests that there is scope for Australian optometrists to improve their routine engagement by questioning patients, as well as providing evidence-based clinical advice, about smoking status, diet and nutritional supplement behaviors, being key modifiable lifestyle risk factors with long-term implications for eye health
Observational studies have shown an association between diets that are rich in specific nutrients, in particular the xanthophyll carotenoids and omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), and a reduced risk of sight-threatening late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).[9,10,11,12]
Summary
Diet and nutritional supplementation are major modifiable lifestyle factors that can strongly influence the long-term risk of sight-threatening ocular pathology. While systemic morbidities associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke, are relatively well known to the general public, associations with eye disease are less widely recognized.[5] In recognition of this, over the past ten years, television- and internet-based advertising campaigns and graphic warnings on cigarette packaging in Australia have sought to improve public awareness about the incident risk of blindness with cigarette smoking. Such interventions have been associated with increased call rates to smoking quitlines[6] and enhanced awareness is considered of value for altering smoking behaviors. Health care providers play an important role in advising patients about the benefits versus risks of nutritional interventions that may affect their eye, or general, health status
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
