Vision-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among an Adult Population with Glaucoma Attending a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Glaucoma is a group of ocular conditions that leads to irreversible blindness. It can affect the vision-related quality of life in many ways. In Ethiopia, limited information is available on how and to what extent the vision-related quality of life of the glaucoma population has been affected.

Objective

This study attempted to assess the vision-related quality of life and associated factors among an adult population with glaucoma attending Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted on the adult population with glaucoma attending Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Systematic random sampling was employed to select 319 study participants. Descriptive and summary statistics were calculated. Simple and multiple linear regressions were performed to determine factors associated with vision-related quality of life. A p-value of <0.05 in multivariable regression was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence level.

Results

The mean glaucoma quality of life-15 score in this study was 47.85 ± 15.41. Below primary education, primary education, visual acuity of the better eye, visual acuity of the worse eye, and severe glaucoma were significantly associated with the glaucoma quality of life-15 score.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The study observed poorer vision-related quality of life in the glaucoma population than previously reported in Ethiopia and around the globe. The vision-related quality of life was significantly associated with educational status, visual acuity of the better and worse eye, and stage of glaucoma in the better eye. Educating the glaucoma population on the nature of the disease, advice on early presentation, and better-coping strategies for the condition are warranted.

Keywords:

• vision
• quality of life
• glaucoma
• Ethiopia

Abbreviations

ADL, Activity of Daily Living; CD, Cup to Disc; CI, Confidence Interval; GQL, General Quality of Life; LOCS III, Lens Opacity Classification System; QOL, Quality of Life; VA, Visual Acuity; VRQOL, Vision Related Quality of Life.

Acknowledgment

Our deepest gratitude goes to all staff of Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Ophthalmology Department for their cooperation and engagement throughout the data collection period. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our patients who willingly participated in the study.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The study did not receive funding from any organization.