Ocular Morbidity Pattern Among Adults in Butajira Town, Central Ethiopia.
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Date
2025-11-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background:
Ocular morbidity, encompassing all eye diseases with or without visual impairment, remains a major cause of preventable visual loss, particularly in low-resource settings. Identifying its prevalence and associated factors is crucial for guiding effective eye care interventions.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of ocular morbidities among adults aged 40 years and above in Butajira town, Ethiopia.
Methods:
This study employed a community-based cross-sectional study design from March to April 2025 among 410 adults selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and comprehensive ocular examinations performed by a senior ophthalmology resident. Data were entered in to EpiData and then transported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate analysis was first performed, then factors which are significant on bivariate analysis were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Overall prevalence of ocular morbidity was 61.2% (95% CI: 56.5–65.9). The leading causes were trachoma (11.0%), refractive error (8.8%), cataract (7.3%), meibomian gland dysfunction (4.4%), and glaucoma (3.9%). Ocular morbidity increased significantly with age (P < 0.05). Females were more affected by trachoma and MGD (adjusted OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.04–3.36, P = 0.038), whereas Male participants were more likely to have glaucoma (adjusted OR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.05-4.45; p=0.034). The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness were 13.4% and 2.9%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Ocular morbidity is highly prevalent in Butajira, with most conditions being preventable or treatable. Strengthening primary eye care services, promoting regular screening, and improving community awareness particularly among older adults and women—are vital to reduce avoidable visual impairment and blindness.
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Keywords
Ocular morbidity, Visual impairment, Blindness, Cataract, Trachoma, Refractive error, Glaucoma, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Community-based study, Butajira, Ethiopia.