Non Communicable Diseases

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Browsing Non Communicable Diseases by Subject "The prevalence of dry eye disease"

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    The prevalence of dry eye disease among adult patients with diabetes at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-06-06) Nkume, Harold Ismael
    Type of study This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study Problem Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common reasons for consultation. It is classified as a condition that does not typically cause visual impairment. Reliable global prevalence data for DED is lacking, since the focus of eye care strategies is on eye conditions that cause vision impairment and blindness. From subnational epidemiological data, the prevalence of DED can range from 8% to 30%. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for corneal epithelial abnormalities and DED. It causes epithelial barrier dysfunction, leading to corneal complications and then lacrimal function unit dysfunction. There is a scarcity of prevalence data for DED among patients with diabetes in Malawi. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of DED among patients with diabetes at a tertiary hospital in Blantyre. Objectives of the study Broad To estimate the prevalence of dry eye among adult patients with diabetes at QECH Specific 1. To describe the presentation of dry eye among adult patients with diabetes 2. To evaluate risk factors associated with DED among adult patients with diabetes 3. To assess impact of dry eye on quality of life (QOL) among adult patients with diabetes Methodology This study will recruit consecutive consenting adult subjects with diabetes, attending diabetic retinopathy screening clinic every Tuesday at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital, for a period of four months. After pre-clinic health talks and visual acuity check, subjects will be triaged as per study criteria. Demographic data and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) quality of life questionnaires will be filled, followed by a Tear break-up time test; before proceeding to diabetic retinopathy screening. Results will be recorded on data collection sheets and entered onto an (JASP) for analysis. Primary outcome measures include, Tear Break-up Time, and OSDI Score. Ocular examination summary statistics will include DED prevalence alongside the tabulated categorical frequencies based on demographic, social history and medical history variable categories. Frequency tables summarizing the severity of DED across various categorical variables will be tabulated to estimate risk factor association. Then to reveal correlations between the study variables, a contingency table Pearson’s chi square (χ2) test will be conducted. Expected Findings and dissemination We expect to find between 15-54% prevalence of dry eye disease among patients with diabetes based on previous studies. Results of the study will be presented at the College of medicine research dissemination conference and it is planned that the findings should be published in peerreviewed journals as well as presented at international conferences. A written report of the results will be submitted to, The College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences library and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital (LSFEH)Blantyre Clinical Director.