Biruk Lelisa Eticha, Henok Biruk Alemayehu, Yezinash Addis Alimaw, Abebech Fikade Shumye, Getenet Shumet Birhan, Getachew Kassahun Desalegn, Abebizuhan Zigale Bayabil, Endalew Mulugeta Worku, Hirut Gebremeskel Mengistu, Zinachew Mulat Bogale, Merkineh Markos Lorato, Mebratu Mulusew Tegegne, Melkamu Temeselew Tegegn, Matiyas Mamo Bekele
Urban residency, current substance use, longer duration of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were statistically significant predictors of visually significant cataract. Early and periodic eye screening for these high-risk groups is essential for timely intervention.
PURPOSE: To identify determinants of visually significant cataract among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending a tertiary eye care center hospital in south Ethiopia.
METHODS: An unmatched case-control study was conducted at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital-Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center from February to April 2024. We enrolled 80 cases and 160 controls. The data were collected through interviews, physical measurements, and medical records revision using a pretested questionnaire. Variables with a P-value < 0.2 in a Pearson's chi-square test were included in a multivariate logistic regression model, where a P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance of the predictors.
RESULTS: The response rate was 91.95%. Significant predictors of visually significant cataract were urban residence (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI 1.53-7.42), current substance use (AOR = 6.29, 95% CI 3.16-9.28), diabetes duration of 2-5 years (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.30-6.74), diabetes duration > 5 years (AOR = 4.35, 95% CI 2.14-7.38), and comorbid hypertension (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI 2.15-8.19).
CONCLUSION: Urban residency, current substance use, longer duration of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were statistically significant predictors of visually significant cataract. Early and periodic eye screening for these high-risk groups is essential for timely intervention.