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Background: In Trachoma endemic countries, many people who underwent Trichiasis surgery faced a recurrence of the disease. Postoperative Trichiasis is a significant problem for patients and health care providers because it puts the eye at renewed risk of sight loss. Despite the low utilization of Trachomatous Trichiasis surgery and the high recurrence rate, evidence that elucidate why it recurs after surgery is limited. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of postoperative Trichiasis among 18 years and above individuals who underwent Trachomatous Trichiasis surgery between 2013 and 2019 in Ambassel District, Northeast Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: The community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 10 to March 23/2020 in selected kebeles of Ambassel District. The required sample size (506) was calculated using EPI-INFO Version 7. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to employ study participants. Data were collected through the interviewer-administered structured pre-tested questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of Postoperative Trachomatous Trichiasis. Results: Four hundred ninety two individuals participated in this study with a response rate of 97.2%. In Ambassel district, the prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis was 23.8% (95% CI = 19.9–27.8). Among associated factors of postoperative Trachomatous Trichiasis: age 50–59 (AOR = 3.34, CI = 1.38–8.1), 60–69 (AOR = 3.24, CI = 1.38–7.61), ≥70 years (AOR = 6.04, CI = 2.23–16.41), duration since surgery (AOR = 1.7, CI = 1.35–2.14), complication (AOR = 2.98, CI = 1.24–7.2), washing the face two times (AOR = 0.25, CI = 0.13–0.47), washing the face three and more times (AOR = 0.1, CI = 0.41–0.25), taking Azithromycin following surgery (AOR = 0.19, CI = 0.09–0.41), pre-operative epilation history (AOR = 2.11, CI = 1.14, 3.9) and having a knowledge about TrachomaTtrichiasis (AOR = 0.21, CI = 0.08–0.58) showed a statistical significant association. Conclusions: The prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis in Ambassel District was higher than most Ethiopian studies. Age, frequency of face washing, medication following surgery, duration since the last surgery, knowledge about trachoma, pre-operative epilation history, and complication after surgery were identified to be independent factors. To minimize postoperative Trachomatous Trichiasis stakeholders need to consider health education for patients, provision of Azithromycin after surgery, and proper training for integrated eye care workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trachoma is the most prevalent eye disease in Ethiopia, especially among children aged 1–9 years and continues to be a public health concern. Nevertheless, in Ethiopia's rural Jamma district in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State, factors associated with trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) among children aged 1-9 years have not yet been studied. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 616 children aged 1–9 years in rural Jamma district in Ethiopia from January-March, 2019. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, an observation checklist and clinical examination of study participants for active trachoma. The presence of TF and trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI) was clinically assessed by integrated eye care workers using the World Health Organization simplified grading system. Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 25.0. A logistic regression model with 95% CI was used. From the multivariable analysis, variables with p-value < 0.05 were declared as associated factors of TF. Result: The prevalence of TF was 10.9% (95% CI [8.6 - 13.6%]) among the rural children aged 1-9 years. The mean family size was 5.5 ± 1.9 persons. About one-fifth (20.6%) of households kept domestic animals overnight in the same room as family. Almost one-sixth (17.5%) of the children involved in this study had an ocular discharge. Two-thirds of the children (68.8%) washed their hands once per day and just over half (55.8%) washed their faces once per day. From multivariable analysis, we found that the presence of domestic animals kept overnight in the same room as the family (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.32; 95%CI [2.49–9.52]), mother's/caregiver's illiteracy (AOR = 2.01; 95%CI [1.11–4.67]), household size (> 7 persons) (AOR = 3.50; 95%CI [1.66–8.50]), washing of children's hands and face without soap (AOR = 2.41; 95%CI [1.29–5.18]), feces observed in the compound (AOR = 5.10; 95%CI [2.01–10.14]), presence of ocular discharge (AOR = 7.23, 95%CI [4.10-12.51]) and nasal discharge (AOR = 4.54, 95%CI [1.95–9.26]) were significantly associated with TF. Conclusion: The prevalence of TF among rural children aged 1–9 years in this study was almost two times higher than the WHO-recommended threshold (TF < 5%) for trachoma elimination and beyond the trachoma control target (TF < 10%). Presence of domestic animals kept overnight in the same room as the family, mother's/caregiver's illiteracy, household size (> 7 persons), washing of children's hands and face without soap, feces observed in the compound, presence of ocular and nasal discharge were significantly associated with TF. We recommended interventions that will help household income to be improved to enable families to be able to construct separate rooms in which to keep animals overnight. Furthermore, we also recommend to policy makers to design mechanisms for enhancement of behavioural change among householders to keep household compounds clean and creating awareness among mothers/caregivers about prevention of trachoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coping strategy is the mechanism by which patients adjust to the condition they face. It can be adaptive or maladaptive. A maladaptive coping strategy is a harmful and ineffective way of dealing with stress or anxiety. It is common among patients with chronic illnesses. Despite Ethiopia having a greater glaucoma prevalence, there was no evidence of patients with glaucoma using maladaptive coping mechanisms. Objective: The main goal of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of maladaptive coping strategy use and the factors that associate with it among adult glaucoma patients enrolled in the Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center at the University of Gondar in Northwest Ethiopia in 2022. Methods and Materials: At the University of Gondar, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, a facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 423 glaucoma patients chosen by a systematic random sampling technique from May 15 to June 30, 2022. Optometrists conducted an interview with the study subject and reviewed the medical record, and administered a pretested, structured questionnaire of the brief cope inventory assessment. In the multivariable logistic regression, binary logistic regression was performed to identify the related factors, and significance was taken into account when the p-value was less than 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval. Results: The study found that among study participants 50.1% (95% CI: 45.1– 54.5%) had a maladaptive coping strategy. Female sex (AOR=2.031, 95% CI:1.185– 3.480), chronic medical illness (AOR=1.760, 95% CI:1.036– 2.989), bilateral glaucoma (AOR=2.321, 95% CI: 1.328– 4.055), receiving both drug and surgery treatment (AOR=1.895, 95% CI: 1.002– 3.585), severe visual impairment (AOR=2.758, 95% CI:1.110– 6.852), absolute glaucoma (AOR=2.543, 95% CI:1.048– 6.169), duration of diagnosis > 12 months (AOR=3.886, 95% CI: 2.295– 6.580) were significantly associated with a maladaptive coping strategy. Conclusion and Recommendation: Half of the participants had a maladaptive coping strategy. It is better to set and plan strategies that enable the integration of coping strategy care into the current treatment of patients with glaucoma to encourage positive coping strategies instead of maladaptive ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional medicines are commonly used throughout the world, especially in Africa. About 13.2-82.3% of the population uses traditional eye medicine. These are forms of biologically based therapies, practices, or partially processed agents that are applied to the eye or administered orally to achieve a desired ocular therapeutic effect. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of traditional eye medicine use among adult ophthalmic patients attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital-Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. A cross-sectional study within the hospital was conducted on 502 newly admitted adult ophthalmic patients who were selected by using a systemic random sampling method from August 15 to 21 October 2020. Of the total (502) subjects, 93.1% of subjects participated in the study. From the total participants, 22.31% (112) (95% confidence interval (CI: 19-26%)) used traditional eye medicine in the past two years. Positive family history of traditional eye medicine use (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 11.1 (95% CI: 4.8-25.6)), availability of traditional healers (AOR = 3.7 (95% CI: 1.6-8.6)), residency in the rural (AOR = 24.9 (95% CI: 10.4-59.7)), family income of 300-1,500 adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.6 (95% CI: 1.9-22.9)), and ≥ 6 months (AOR = 8.5 (95% CI: 3.02-23.7) were significantly associated with traditional eye medicine use The driving issues for using TEM were the availability and costs of modern medicine. The prevalence of TEM is higher than in the previous study conducted in Ethiopia. Subjects: Allied Health; Health & Society; Health Conditions; Nursing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Visual impairment has a profound impact on loss of economy and productivity, which can impair health-related quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine productivity loss and its predictive factors among adults with visual impairment in Addis Ababa tertiary eye care centers, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 30, 2021. A total of 425 samples were retrieved using systematic random sampling. Data collection included socio-demographic information, employment status, job absenteeism, presenteeism and reduced work participation. Analysis was done by SPSS version 23, and binary logistic regression was employed for statistical analysis. P-values less than 0.05 were used to state significant associations between dependent and outcome variables. Results: A total of 416 study participants were involved in the study, with a response rate of 97.88%. The mean age was 48 ± 14.3 years. The total productivity loss was $775,325.51, with a median of $358.02. Maximum productivity loss was contributed by reduced workforce participation, which was about $746,337.45, with a median of $1,432.10. Regarding predictor factors, gender, monthly income, degree and duration of visual impairment and support of family to get job were statistically associated with high productivity loss. Conclusion: In general, the current study revealed that there is a profound annual loss of productivity due to visual impairment. The predictor factors for higher productivity loss were gender, monthly income, degree of visual impairment, duration of visual impairment and presence of support from family to get job or achieve better performance on job activities. Rehabilitation for visually impaired adults is recommended to enhance their quality of life by increasing their workplace participation to the maximum potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical presentations of uveitis at the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, North-West Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was performed at the center from August 2017 to July 2018. Study patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation and relevant ancillary tests. Data was gathered using a data extraction format and analyzed. A total of 105 eyes of 82 patients were studied. The mean age was 33.8 ± 14.8 years,53 (65%) were male and uveitis was unilateral in 72%. Anterior uveitis was the commonest, 57%, followed by Intermediate uveitis 21.7%. Sixty-six of the 105 (63%) of eyes were blind. Cataract was the commonest complication identified. This study showed that uveitis is prevalent in the working age group with a significant number of blindness. Anterior uveitis was the commonest type of Uveitis and cataract was the commonest complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is the advanced stage of trachoma where lashes touch the globe of the eye causing permanent damage. Without eyelid surgery, TT can lead to irreversible blindness. In 2015 the Ethiopian Ministry of Health launched the Fast Track Initiative with the aim of enhancing the provision of surgical services for TT. The aims of this study were to determine the productivity of individual surgeons during the 2017 Initiative, to compare this productivity with the Ministry's annual target indicator of = 200 surgeries, and to assess the factors associated with surgical output. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized programmatic data on surgical output from 140 surgeons active from January 2017 through December 2017 in the eastern half of Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from a surgery monitoring dataset, analyzed, and compared to the performance targets set by the Ministry. Results: The mean annual number of surgeries carried out per surgeon was 169 (standard deviation: 111) for a total of 23,616 surgeries. Among the 140 surgeons, 38% achieved the target set by the Ministry. Location of surgical training site and estimated surgical backlog were signficantly associated with a higher surgery output. Conclusions: An increase in surgical output was observed compared to productivity prior to the Initiative, although the average annual output during the 2017 Fast Track Initiative was lower than the Ministry's target. Using data driven approaches to setting annual productivity goals should be considered, particularly in light of fewer remaining TT cases as a result of the successful Initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Visual impairment is a major public health problem in developing countries where there is no enough health-care service. It has a significant impact on the affected child's psychological, educational and socioeconomic experiences, during childhood and beyond. Therefore, the aim of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among children in Ethiopia. Method: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant published articles in Ethiopia from 2011–2021 were searched in PubMed/Medline, HINARI, Google scholar, and conference paper and thesis or research final reports were accessed from Ethiopian Universities' repositories. Data was extracted in Microsoft excel by using JBI data extraction checklist. The pooled prevalence and odds ratio of associated factors with their 95% CI was computed by using STATA 14/SE software. A fixed effect meta-analysis model was employed for a Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 test showed there was no heterogeneity in the included studies. Result: A total of 7,647 children from nine studies were included in this study. The overall prevalence of visual impairment among children in Ethiopia was 7% (95% CI: 6, 7%). The pooled prevalence of visual impairment by region was almost similar in Ethiopia. However, there was no significant association between the identified factors and visual impairment among children. But the result showed that being males (AOR 0.642, 95% CI: 0.357–1.156), Children in the age of 10–13 years (AOR 0.224, 95% CI: 0.046–1.102) and 14–18 years (AOR 0.508, 95% CI: 0.102–2.534) were found to be less likely to have visual impairment. On the other hand, children of parents with visual impairment (AOR 1.820, 95% CI: 0.381–8.698) more likely to have visual impairment. Conclusion: Visual impairment among children in Ethiopia is still a public health problem one year later to VISION 2020, a global initiative aimed to eliminate avoidable blindness. All most one out of fourteen children in Ethiopia had visual impairment. Therefore, the government of Ethiopia should focus on effective, efficient, comprehensive eye health care services by integrating with the national health system to prevent avoidable visual impairment among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Vitreoretinal diseases are common causes of ocular morbidities and blindness. Data on the spectrum of vitreoretinal diseases needs to be studied and known in order to establish appropriate vitreoretinal care setups. The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of vitreoretinal diseases among patients who visited the vitreoretina clinic of University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, NW Ethiopia (UoG-TECTC). Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from October/2017-September/2018. All patients who visited the vitreoretinal clinic for the first time during the study period were studied. Data were collected with standardized data extraction format entered into SPSS statistical package Version 20 and analyzed. Result: A total of 739 new patients who visited the vitreoretinal clinic were included in the study. The mean age was 50.26 +/- 19 years. The age group between 21–60 years accounted for 59.7% of study patients. Male's accounted for 63.1% and 58.7% of the participants were from urban areas. Bilateral disease was diagnosed in 504 (68.2%) of patients and 220 (29.7%) were bilaterally blind at presentation. Three hundred eighty nine (52.6%) of them had duration of illness six months and above. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Rhegmatoginous Retinal Detachment (RRD) were the top three retinal diseases accounting for 21.3%(196), 17.3% (128) and 12.4% (92) of diagnoses respectively. Systemic comorbidities were found in 44% (325) of the patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia being the commonest, occurring in 27.8%, 6.3% and 2.8% of study patients respectively. Cataract was the commonest ocular comorbidity seen in 33.5% of study participants. Conclusion: Vitreoretinal diseases affected a significant number of patients presented to our center and most of the study patients presented late with significant vision loss and blindness. Males were affected more than females and the age group between 21–60 years accounted nearly two-third of study patients. This is the working age group suffering from vision loss from vitreoretinal diseases. DR, AMD and RRD were the commonest retinal pathologies accounting for nearly half of the vitreoretinal diseases and these conditions are treatable either surgically or medically. However, available facilities for the management of these diseases are not adequate at the center. Strengthening the vitreoretinal services of UoG-TECTC with relevant equipment is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual impairment can severely affect the quality of life, with a tremendous negative impact on job performance and socioeconomic status. This substantially affects the psychological status of people with visual impairment. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress among visually impaired Ethiopian adults attending the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center in Gondar City, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 206 adults with visual impairment (a presenting VA ≤ 6/18 in at least one eye) and 206 adults with normal vision were included in the study. Psychological distress was measured using a standardized self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of psychological distress in the study participants was 31.07% (95% CI: 26.2, 35.8). Psychological distress was higher (43.2%; 95% CI: 36.5, 50.5) and statistically differed (p = 0.02) in visually impaired compared to adults with normal vision (18.9%; 95% CI: 14.1, 24.3). Duration of vision loss ≥ 2 years (AOR = 8.70; 95% CI: 2.38, 31.46), sudden loss of vision (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.10, 18.30), unmarried (AOR = 5.53; 95% CI: 1.66, 18.43), living lonely (AOR = 8.40; 95% CI:1.48, 4.74), College and above educational status (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI:1.47, 10.61), and loss of vision in both eyes (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 2.00, 14.10) were variables with a significant association with psychological distress among visually impaired adults. Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of psychological distress was significantly higher among visually impaired adults than among adults with normal vision. The effect of visual impairment on psychological distress was significantly related to marital status, living arrangements, educational status, duration of vision loss, pattern of vision loss, and laterality of vision loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural belief in Ethiopia showed that strabismus can be caused by exposure to sunlight during infancy, an outrage from God, and looking sideways. In addition, Ethiopians also believe that strabismus can resolve by its self and is a sign of good luck. Due to these reasons many patients with strabismus come to eye care clinics after developing amblyopia. This study aimed to assess the level of attitude and related factors toward strabismus among adults living in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample size of 634 adults from April 9 to April 23, 2019. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews, and the study participants were chosen by applying a multistage random sampling technique. Data were entered with EPI info version 7 and imported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Frequency, statistical summary, and cross-tabulations were used for the descriptive analysis of the entered data. Binary logistic regression was fitted, and all independent variables with a P-value of less than 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were entered into a multivariable binary logistic regression. Variables with a P-value of less than or equal to 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Respondents who answered greater than or equal to the median score of attitude-related questions were designated to have a favorable attitude toward strabismus. In this study, 602 adults were participated with a response rate of 94.9% and the median age of the participants was 33 ± 14 years. The overall proportion of favorable attitudes toward strabismus was 71.8%. Having secondary school as an educational status (AOR = 2.8 (95% CI: 1.2, 6.4)) and heard about strabismus (AOR = 7.4 (95%CI: 3.7, 14.9)) were positively whereas being unemployed (AOR = 0.3(95% CI: 0.1, 0.7)) and high monthly income (AOR = 0.5(95%CI: 0.3, 0.9)) were negatively associated with a favorable attitude regarding strabismus. Eighty-five percent (88.5%) of participants agreed that early treatment of strabismus had a better outcome. Besides, 57.6% of participants have agreed that untreated strabismus can cause amblyopia. About three fourth of the study participants had a favorable attitude toward strabismus. Educational status, heard about strabismus, occupation, and monthly income were significantly associated with a favorable attitude toward strabismus. Most of the study participants agreed that untreated strabismus can cause poor cosmoses. Fear of surgery and high cost were reported by study participants as the main barriers to seeking treatment of strabismus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trachomatous trichiasis is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends eyelid surgery to reduce the risk of visual impairment from trichiasis. Unfortunately, the number of cases operated has grown less than expected. An understanding of barriers is fundamental for instituting measures to increase surgical uptake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore barriers of TT surgery implementation. Methods: A qualitative study design was employed in December 2019. Purposive sampling technique was used to select three districts from Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia. We conducted 9 FGDs and 12 in-depth interviews. Data was collected by audio tape recorder in Amharic and Gamogna languages and then transcribed to English language. The recorded interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed to verbatim (written text) and thematic analysis was done manually and reported accordingly. Findings: we explored a number of barriers that hindered implementation of trichiasis surgery. The recurrence of trichiasis after surgery was the main challenges faced by operated individuals. The other barriers reported are negative perception towards trichiasis surgery, lack of logistic and supplies, transportation access problem for remote communities, inadequate trained health professional, less commitment from higher officials, lack of interest of integrated eye care workers due to incentive issues, believes of patients waiting supernatural power for healing service and carelessness of patients to undertake operation. Conclusion and recommendation: Post-surgical trichiasis, lack of commitment from government officials and negative perception of patients towards the disease were considered as the reported barriers for implementation of trachomatous trichiasis. Closely supervising the integrated eye care workers would be the first task for district health offices to increase the uptake and improve the quality of service. Logistics and supplies should be made available and adequate to address all affected people in the community. Author summary: Despite the scale-up of surgical services to eliminate blinding trachoma, the current surgical activity is not effectively tackling the backlog. There are limited studies done previously that explore barriers on implementation of trachomatous trichiasis surgery in Ethiopia. Therefore, understanding barriers is fundamental for instituting measures to increase surgical uptake. Hence, reliable population-based data on barriers towards trichiasis surgery implementation is very crucial for planning effective trachoma control programs, for the country like Ethiopia where trachoma ranks the first in the list of high burden countries. Our finding showed that post-surgical trichiasis, lack of commitment from government officials and negative perception of patients towards the disease were considered as the reported barriers for implementation of trachomatous trichiasis. Closely supervising the integrated eye care workers would be the first task for district health offices to increase the uptake and improve the quality of service. Logistics and supplies should be made available and adequate to address all affected people in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]