Abstract
BackgroundVisual impairment (VI) is a decreased ability to see things which is critical problem for health professionals and students to whom normal vision is essential for their daily activity. If it is not timely managed, visual impairment leads to physical, psychological, and socio-economic malfunctions to the victims and nation. Despite the above impacts, currently there is no study in Ethiopia on this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among Medical and Health Science students at the University of Gondar.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 among Medical and Health Science students. After recruiting study participants using systematic random sampling technique, we applied pre-tested self-administered questionnaire for sociodemographic variables and also visual acuity measurement was performed using Snellen chart placed at a distance of 6 meters. Visual acuity tested separately for each eye and for both eyes in a well- illuminated area. Pinhole was used for those participants with a visual acuity of < 6/9. Participants with a presenting visual acuity of < 6/12 in the better eye were diagnosed as having visual impairment. Epi data version 3.1 and stata version 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used, and the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association between VI and independent variables.ResultsA total of 654 students were screened for visual acuity. The prevalence of visual impairment was 12.5% (95% CI: 10.21, 15.31). Age above 25 years (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.26) and current alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.7, 5.00), were statistically significant factors of visual impairment.ConclusionThe prevalence of visual impairment among medical and health science students was high. Age of study participant and current alcohol consumption were statically significant factors. This study warrants the routine screening of Medical and Health science students for visual impairment.
Highlights
A total of 654 students were screened for visual acuity
The prevalence of visual impairment was 12.5%
This study warrants the routine screening of Medical and Health science students for visual impairment
Summary
Visual system is one of our most important sensory systems mainly used for integration between individuals and the external environments by developing vision from the entry of light into the eye and the perception of this stimulus by the occipital lobe of the brain [1].Visual impairment (VA) is a major health problem all over the world [2,3], which is characterized by a presenting visual acuity (VA) of less than 6/12 and of low vision less than 6/18, but equal to or better than 3/60, or a subsequent loss of visual field less than 20 degrees with the best possible correction in the better eye [4].As estimated by the Lancet Global Health Commission, 1.1 billion people have impaired vision worldwide and the incidence is increasing [5]. It has been estimated that 75–90% of all teaching in the classroom comes either entirely or partially from the visual pathway to the students [6,7] It has considerable social, psychological, and economic consequences for the patients and their caregivers. Visual impairment (VI) is a decreased ability to see things which is critical problem for health professionals and students to whom normal vision is essential for their daily activity. If it is not timely managed, visual impairment leads to physical, psychological, and socio-economic malfunctions to the victims and nation.
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