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PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence, causes, and factors associated with presenting visual impairment and blindness among pensioners. DESIGN: A nationwide cross-sectional study. This study was part of the analysis on data obtained in the pensioners' medical survey conducted among members of the National Pensioners Association in Ghana. METHOD: (i) Setting: it was a multicenter study involving thirteen centers throughout Ghana with a center in each regional capital. (ii) Study population: the study involved 4813 pensioners. (iii) Observation procedures: data were captured through the use of questionnaires, physical examinations including eye examinations, and urine and blood sample analysis. (iv) Main outcome measure: presenting visual impairment and blindness (as defined by the WHO ICD-10 classification). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of blindness among pensioners in Ghana was 3.8% (95% CI = 3.2-4.4), while the prevalence of moderate and severe visual impairment was 21.7% (95% CI = 20.5-23.0). The prevalence of blindness was lowest in the 60-65-year-old age group (2.1% (95% CI = 1.3-2.8)) and highest in the above 80-year-old age group (12.2% (95% CI = 6.6-17.8)). Cataract was the leading cause of blindness (62.4%) and moderate and severe visual impairment (55.7%). Factors significantly associated with blindness and visual impairment include educational status, vegetarianism, arthritis, and having proteins in urine. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of visual impairment and blindness among the pensioners in Ghana. Sadly, the greatest cause was cataract, which is correctable. Increase in formal education status will be important in the prevention of blindness and visual impairment.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The elderly are faced with health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems, which can be linked to obesity and overweight. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight and its associated factors amongst registered pensioners in Ghana. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among members of the national pensioners association of Ghana. 4813 pensioners took part in the study. Thirteen study centers were used in the study with at least one center per regional capital. Questionnaires, physical examinations, blood and urine sample examinations were carried out. RESULTS: Overall, 16.3% of the pensioners were obese while 30.0% were overweight. Prevalence of obesity among males and females were 8.0% and 34.5% respectively. Pensioners who were hypertensive had 1.8 times the odds (95% CI = 1.5-2.0) of being obese/overweight. Serum triglycerides levels of 2.26 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or more, were associated with 80% chance of obesity and overweight (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3 - 2.5). There was 30% increase in arthritis among obese/overweight pensioners compared to normal/underweight pensioners. Obesity and overweight pensioners were more likely to be using eyeglass (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3-2.2) and less likely to report hearing loss (OR = 0.7, 95% CI =0.5-1.0). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity among the elderly in Ghana is high. Age had an inverse linear relationship with BMI among pensioners. Hypertension, arthritis and dyslipidemia were associated with obesity among registered pensioners.