Factors Associated With Visual Impairment and Eye Care Utilization: The International Mobility in Aging Study

J Aging Health. 2018 Oct;30(9):1369-1388. doi: 10.1177/0898264317716360. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Abstract

Objective: To examine factors associated with visual impairment (VI) and eye care in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS).

Method: IMIAS data were analyzed ( N = 1,995 with ages 65-74). Outcomes were VI defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better eye and eye care utilization assessed by annual visits to eye care professionals. The Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream (HITS) questionnaire requested information on domestic violence.

Results: Among men, VI varied from 24% in Manizales (Colombia) to 0.5% in Kingston (Canada); among women, VI ranged from 20% in Manizales to 1% in Kingston; lifetime exposure to domestic violence was associated with VI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.17, 3.00]). Eye care utilization varied from 72% in Kingston's men to 25% in Tirana's men; it was associated with domestic violence (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.3; 95% CI = [1.1, 1.6]).

Discussion: VI is more frequent where eye care utilization is low. Domestic violence may be a risk factor for VI.

Keywords: aging; domestic violence; global health; vision.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Colombia / epidemiology
  • Domestic Violence / statistics & numerical data
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Male
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vision Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Vision Tests / statistics & numerical data*

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