Prevalence of cataract and its associated factors among adults aged 40 years and above in Waghimra zone, Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia: A Community based cross-sectional study

AbstractBackground Cataract is a major cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Its greatest burden found in low-income countries. Therefore, knowing the prevalence and identification of risk-factors would be crucial in planning strategies to delay its development.Objective To assess prevalence and associated factors of cataract among adults aged 40 years and above in Waghimra Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2019.Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 528 adults in Waghimra Zone. Multi stage sampling technique was employed. Questionnaire, Snellen’s chart and slit lamp was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1, cleaned and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.Result Within the sample, the prevalence of cataract was 20.1% (95% CI: 16.87, 23.32). being older age (AOR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), single (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.60, 23.9), divorced (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.48), widowed (AOR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.07- 5.29) were associated with cataract.Conclusion Cataract is a major health problem in the study area that would increase with ageing Hence, concerned body should strengthen further screening and treating of patients who are targeted groups such as aged, single, widowed, divorced population.