Impact of cataract surgery on quality of life in rural areas of Jharkhand: a community based cross-sectional study

Bharath Jagadeesh; Sagarika Gupta; Anuj Bhatnagar

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20232387

Authors

Bharath Jagadeesh Public Health, Tata Steel Foundation, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3574-7791
Sagarika Gupta Public Health, Tata Steel Foundation, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
Anuj Bhatnagar Public Health, Tata Steel Foundation, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20232387

Keywords:

Cataract, Quality-of-life, Preventable blindness, Rural health

Abstract

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in India, accounting for approximately 66.2% of all blindness cases and accounting for 71.2% of all visual impairment cases. This study was conducted in 5 blocks of East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan districts of Jharkhand to determine burden of cataract and the impact of cataract surgery on quality of life in the rural population.

Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted between January 2023 to April 2023 among individuals residing in rural areas of Jharkhand using multi-stage sampling with a sample size of 692 individuals.

Results: Prevalence of cataract amongst the study population was 23% (159) and there was a statistically significant improvement in the quality-of-life post cataract surgery.

Conclusions: High prevalence of cataract increases the burden on existing health care system. Ongoing research and initiatives should focus on improving early detection and referral, providing comprehensive post-operative care to reduce the burden of cataract and improve the quality-of-life outcomes among the individuals.

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