Background: Near visual impairment leads to difficulty with near tasks at a working distance (40 centimeters) when near visual acuity is 6/12 (N8) or worse. High cost is the main barrier reported for low near vision spectacle coverage.
Objective: This study aimed to determine near vision spectacle coverage and associated factors among adults living in Finote Selam town, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was applied from June 3 to 25, 2019. A total of 565 study participants aged ≥35 years were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested questionnaire with adequate physical examination was used for data collection. The data were entered into EPI INFO software and exported to a statistical package for science for analysis. Mean (standard), frequencies, tables, and figures were used to present descriptive statistics. A bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between independent variables and outcome variable with a P-value of less than 0.20 and a P-value of less than 0.05, respectively. Odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval were used to show strength of association.
Results: A total of 549 adults participated, with a response rate of 97.20% and a mean age of 46.4±8.7 years. The near vision spectacle coverage was 156 (28.42%; 95% CI=24.65-32.31). Higher education level (AOR=2.8; 95% CI=1.21-5.21), history of eye examination (AOR=2.40; 95% CI=1.51-3.81), awareness about near vision problems (AOR=2.12; 95% CI=1.41-3.24), and need of a high plus lens (AOR=4.21; 95% CI=2.41-7.39) were associated with near vision spectacle coverage.
Conclusion: Near vision spectacle coverage was low among adults living in Finote Selam town. Higher educational level, history of eye examination, awareness about near vision problems, and need of a high plus lens were associated with near vision spectacle coverage.
Keywords: Ethiopia; Finote Selam; near vision spectacle coverage; near visual impairment.
© 2020 Fekadu et al.