Sociodemographic disparities in eye examinations: A nationally representative survey analysis

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate associations between sociodemographic factors and eye examinations for adults in the United States.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data were pooled from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, a population-based nationwide survey of randomly sampled households. Data collection occurred from January 1st to December 31st, 2022. Participants aged ≥18 years from all 50 states and the District of Columbia for whom data were available on eye examinations were included. The main outcome was whether participants had an eye examination from a specialist within the past year of being interviewed. Logistic regression models were used for univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

Across 27,246 adults, 14,812 (54.4 %) had an eye examination within the past year and 12,434 (45.6 %) did not. In our multivariable analysis, the following sociodemographic factors were associated with an increased odds of having undergone an eye examination within the past year: female sex (OR=1.48, 95 %CI=[1.39, 1.57, p < 0.01), Hispanic ethnicity (OR=1.22, 95 %CI=[1.09, 1.37], p < 0.01) or Asian race (OR=1.15, 95 %CI=[1.05, 1.33], p = 0.04). The following factors were associated with a reduced odds of having undergone an eye examination: being single compared to married (OR=0.87, 95 %CI=[0.81, 0.93], p < 0.01), residing in the West compared to the Northeast (OR=0.86, 95 %CI=[0.77, 0.96], p = 0.01), and those who lacked citizenship status (OR=0.73, 95 %CI=[0.63, 0.84], p < 0.01), or insurance (OR=0.58, 95 %CI=[0.51, 0.66], p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Several sociodemographic factors were associated with the likelihood of undergoing an eye examination within the past year. Public health efforts dedicated to addressing inequities in access to eye examinations are imperative.