Prevalence and factors associated with refractive errors among healthcare workers at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors and associated factors among healthcare workers at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Methods: A cross-sectional study at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda. Healthcare workers were selected through multistage stratified random sampling using staff lists. Each participant completed a questionnaire, underwent refraction, and near vision testing for those 35 years and above. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Frequencies, percentages, odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p values are reported. All analyses were performed using Stata 17. Results: Of the 422 participants included in the study, the overall prevalence of refractive errors was 30.1% while the age specific prevalence of presbyopia was 32.1%. A total of 110 participants (26.1%) had only distance refractive errors, 34 (8.1%) had presbyopia only, and 17 participants had both distance errors and presbyopia. Astigmatism was the leading distance refractive error. Age 40 years and above (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 3.5, 95% CI: 2.0–6.0, p < 0.001), education level above certificate (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.4, p = 0.050), and family history of refractive errors (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.4, p = 0.050) were statistically associated with refractive errors. Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors among healthcare workers at MRRH was 38.1%. Age 40 years and above, higher education level and family history were associated with refractive errors. Key stakeholders should sensitize and implement routine eye screening for refractive errors among healthcare workers and provide timely interventions.