Characteristics associated with barriers to eye care: A cross-sectional survey at a free vision screening event.
Ophthalmic Res
; 2022 Sep 05.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36063808
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Social determinants of health can limit access to regular eye care, but their role in ophthalmology is underexamined. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between patient characteristics and self-reported barriers to eye care.METHODS:
This anonymous, cross-sectional survey was conducted at a two-day free eye clinic event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Adult patients presenting for vision screening were eligible to participate. Patient characteristics (demographics, health status) and self-reported barriers to eye care were collected. Predictors of barriers to eye care were analyzed using binary logistic regression.RESULTS:
Of 269 eligible, consecutive patients approached for survey completion, 183 comprised the volunteer sample. The 183 participants (105 female patients [59%]) had a mean (standard deviation) age of 53 (15) years, and generally self-identified as Black (74, 46%) or White (67, 41%). While a third reported having no health insurance (60, 34%), the remaining two-thirds of participants had public (84, 48%) or private coverage (34, 19%). Three-quarters of respondents reported at least one barrier to receiving regular eye care (136, 76%), most commonly medical costs (89, 50%) and insurance issues (73, 41%). Not having health insurance or vision insurance was strongly associated with reporting at least one barrier to care (OR 5.00, p=0.002, and OR 7.46, p<0.001, respectively). Those with self-reported eye disease were more likely to report transportation difficulties (OR 4.45, p=0.013), and employed participants reported difficulty getting time off work to attend eye exams (OR 7.73, p=0.002). Finally, compared to Black race, White race was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting any barrier to care (OR 2.79, p=0.013).CONCLUSION:
Three-quarters of vision screening attendees reported at least one barrier to regular eye care, most commonly medical costs and insurance.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
1_ASSA2030
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
/
Screening_studies
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
/
Equity_inequality
/
Patient_preference
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ophthalmic Res
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article