Factors associated with ocular injuries among adult road traffic accident patients presenting at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.

Background: Ocular trauma is the leading cause of unilateral blindness globally. Road traffic accidents are among the top risk factors for ocular trauma. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with ocular injuries among adult road traffic accident patients at Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult road traffic accident patients. History taking and ophthalmological examination were performed on consenting participants. Data was analysed using STATA version 14.0. Results: Overall, 428 road traffic accident cases were enrolled, of which majority (84.3%) were male. Age 30-39years (aOR = 0.58, 0.36 - 0.94, p = 0.027), being male (aOR = 2.64, 1.21 - 5.13, p = 0.004) and being a passenger of motor vehicle/cycle (aOR = 3.85, 1.49 - 9.93, p = 0.005) were the factors associated with ocular injuries among the participants. Conclusions: Age 30-39 years, male gender and being a passenger of motor vehicle/cycle were the factors associated with ocular injuries among the adult road traffic accident patients. Ocular injuries were more common among the road users who did not use safety measures. Use of safety measure by passengers of motor vehicles and cycles is recommended.

Ocular complications and associated factors among traditional eye medicines users attending the eye clinic at Mulago national referral hospital, Uganda.

Background: Over the past decades there has been a phenomenal increase in the use of Traditional Eye medicines (TEM) worldwide and there are several factors that compel patients to use TEM. Objectives: We conducted a study to determine the types of traditional eye medicine, ocular complications, and associated factors among traditional eye medicine users at the Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) eye clinic. Methods and Materials: A hospital-based cross-sectional study among TEM users at MNRH eye clinic from June to August 2021. Epi Data version 4.2 and STATA version 15 used for analysis. A modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to determine the associated factors. Results: Overall, 182 TEM users (males:53.3%) were enrolled, with a mean age of 36±21SD years. The most frequently used type of TEM were plant products (47.8%). 70% of TEM users had ocular complications, the most frequent manifestation was conjunctivitis (53.9%). Ocular complications were significantly associated with living in the urban areas (p< 0.006) and participants who reported ease and availability of TEM (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Plant-based products were the most frequently used types of TEM, a large proportion of the TEM users were found with sight-threatening ocular complications.

Factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among adult patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally. Many patients with cataract in developing countries delay to come for cataract surgery. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among adult patients seen at Mulago National Referral Hospital eye clinic in Uganda. METHODS: Employing a hospital based cross-sectional study, adult patients with cataract and having moderate visual impairment or blindness were recruited. Patient-related factors for delayed surgery were assessed using a predetermined questionnaire. Data was analyzed using stata version 14.2. Logistic regressions were used to determine the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among these patients. RESULTS: Eighty two participants with operable cataract were evaluated. Females were 44 (54%) and the mean age of participants was 67 years. Fifty three (65%) had delayed uptake of cataract surgery. The factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among patients with cataract were financial constraint, felt no need for surgery and good unilateral vision. CONCLUSIONS: Financial constraints, no felt need for cataract surgery and having good unilateral vision are the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among cataract patients. We recommend cataract surgical outreach to remote areas and health education.