Visual Impairment among Adult 50 Years and Above in Malaysia: Findings from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment and blindness are common problems in older adult of Malaysian and the number of people affected is likely to increase as the population age increased. Visual impairment can be described as any chronic visual deficit that impairs everyday functioning.This study aims to determine the association of visual impairment with diabetes mellitus among adults in Malaysia. Method: Data was analyzed on adults aged ≥ 50 years from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015, a cross-sectional, nationwide population-based survey covering information on socio-demographic profile, diabetes mellitus and visual domain from the locally validated Washington Group Short Questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of diabetes patients had difficulty in seeing was 26.1% (95% CI: 24.2, 28.0). Elderly Malaysians was noted to have higher proportion of visual impairment 27.8% (95% CI: 25.6-30.1) compared to other age group. From that, we selected the respondents aged 50 and above and the result showed 32.5% (95% CI: 30.76, 34.37) of them having visual impairment. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with visual impairment and showed it was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus [aOR = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.7-1.9], more female visually impaired [aOR = 1.1, 95%-CI: 1.01.2] and most among elderly [aOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 4.4-6.4], other bumiputra [aOR = 1.9, 95%-CI: 1.6-2.1], widow/widower/divorcee [aOR = 1.4, 95%-CI: 1.1-1.7] and rural [aOR = 1.0,95%-CI: 1.0-1.1]. Conclusion: National screening and educational programs were needed to reduce visual impairment and risk of blindness among diabetes patient. The findings may help increase the awareness of visual impairment by general public and policy makers as well.