MEDICAL-RELATED RISK FACTORS FOR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING EYE CARE CLINIC AT JINJA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

Patients with AIDS have an increased age-adjusted prevalence of intermediate-stage AMD compared with that found in a non-HIV-infected cohort evaluated with similar methods suggesting a potential risk that AIDs and other medical conditions could have towards Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The study aims to assess the medical-related risk factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

 Methodology:

A Cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing quantitative data collection methods. The study population comprised all patients receiving eye care services for Age-related Macular Degeneration conditions at the eye unit of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for a period of 6 months from October 2022 to March 2023. Non-probability sampling was used to select 50 participants.

Results:

Half 25/50(50%) of the total number of respondents were between 61-70 years and the minority 02/50 (04 %) were 31-40 years. Most respondents 21/50 (42%) were peasants while 10/50 (20%) were Business personnel. The majority 18/50(36%) Strongly agreed that cataracts are a risk factor for Age-related Macular degeneration, followed by 17/50(34%) respondents who agreed. More respondents 39/50 (78%) indicated they had an intra-ocular surgery than 11/50(22%) respondents had not had an intra-ocular surgery. Most respondents 28/50 (56%) indicated they had a chronic disease while 22/50 (44%) respondents did not. A higher number of respondents 31/50(62%) were HIV Positive than 19/50(38%) who were found to be HIV negative.

Conclusion:

The medical-related risk factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration were having HIV/AIDs, chronic systemic diseases, Cataracts, and intra-ocular surgeries.

Recommendations:

Similarly, Health workers especially ophthalmologists and ophthalmic clinical officers should provide health education to the patients and the public and carry out regular outreach for eye vision screening.