Search

Purpose: To determine barriers to seeking eye care services in Timor-Leste in 2010, and compare this to similar analyses undertaken 5 years previously. Methods: An interview-based questionnaire used in a 2005 survey was re-administered as part of a population-based cross-sectional survey of adults selected by multistage random sampling from those aged ≥40 years in Timor-Leste in 2010. Results: The participation rate for the 2010 survey was 89.5% ( n = 2014). The sex-age-domicile-adjusted prevalence of a history of at least one previous or current ophthalmic problem in the population aged ≥40 years was 92.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.4-93.7%). Of these, 75.4% (95% CI 73.4-77.3%) had not consulted a care provider. In multivariate analysis, rural domicile, illiteracy and subsistence farming were associated with having not sought care for an eye problem. The most frequently cited reasons were 'service too far away' (36.3%), 'no time/other priorities' (21.7%) and 'unaware of eye care service' (20.7%). More people reported a history of an eye problem in 2010 than in 2005, but the proportion seeking care was no different. Social barriers became more prevalent for urban dwellers in 2010, while attitudinal barriers decreased. For rural residents, social and service-related barriers increased and awareness and attitudinal barriers decreased. Conclusion: Barriers to eye health service use in Timor-Leste are not universal or static. Monitoring the extent and nature of barriers, as well as the prevalence and causes of vision impairment, will help plan appropriate interventions for vulnerable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Purpose: This survey was conducted to determine the effect on activities of daily living of persons who report that they have received vision rehabilitation. Design/Methodology: This study used a clinical sample to gather information from 417 patients. Of the 417, 105 reported receiving vision rehabilitation. The efficacy of rehabilitation was assessed by asking 20 questions about their activities of daily living prior to and after their rehabilitation. A retrospective pretest (post-then-pre) design was used. Paired t tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation. Results: A significant difference was found for 13 of 20 questions. Difficulty reading ordinary prints in newspapers showed a large effect size (p = 0.0005). Difficulty reading the small print in a telephone book showed a large effect size (p = 0.0005). Difficulty doing work or hobbies that require one to see up close showed a moderate effect size (p = 0.0005). Difficulty finding something on a crowded shelf showed a moderate effect size (p = 0.0005). Difficulty figuring out whether bills received are accurate showed a moderate effect size (p = 0.0005). Difficulty shaving, styling one's hair, or putting on makeup showed a small effect size (p = 0.016). Difficulties seeing and enjoying programs on television showed a moderate effect size (p = 0.0005). Conclusion: Patients with low vision who report having received vision rehabilitation show significant improvements in activities of daily living or specific types of functioning after rehabilitation. Improvement in both near and distance vision activities and in social activities indicates daily functioning was improved and that barriers to activities of daily living were removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]