Prevalence of self-reported severe vision impairment and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and chronic diseases in Mexico: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Objectives

Severe vision impairment is a major public health concern, diminishing quality of life and driving significant costs. Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is essential for effective prevention and care strategies. This study investigates the prevalence of severe vision impairment in Mexican adults and its association with sociodemographic factors and common chronic diseases.

Study design

Nationwide cross-sectional study.

Methods

We used data from 43,070 adults aged 20 years and older who participated in the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey, a nationally representative survey of the Mexican population. Severe vision impairment was assessed through the self-reported Washington Group Short Set on Functioning. We calculated prevalence and confidence intervals considering sampling weights and the complex design of the survey. We used weighted Poisson regression models adjusted by age to estimate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and chronic diseases with severe vision impairment.

Results

The age-adjusted prevalence of severe vision impairment was 2.8 %. The prevalence was higher in low socioeconomic status, low educational attainment, rural regions and among those who spoke an indigenous language or were unemployed. Participants living with diabetes or hypertension also had a higher prevalence of severe vision impairment.

Conclusions

These results highlight subgroups with a higher prevalence of severe vision impairment. Policymakers in Mexico and countries with Mexican populations should prioritize effective eye health for marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Implementing the United Nations General Assembly resolution to include eye care in universal health coverage can reach those most affected.