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Prevalence, Causes and Social Factors of Visual Impairment among Chinese Adults: Based on a National Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Chao Guo

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
    APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Zhenjie Wang

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Ping He

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Gong Chen

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
    APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Xiaoying Zheng

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
    APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

Abstract

Visual impairment has become a global challenge, especially for developing countries. This study aims to estimate the prevalence, causes and social factors of visual impairment among Chinese adults. Data were from a nationally representative population-based cross-sectional study. The study population were 1,909,199 non-institutionalized adults aged 18 years and older in mainland China. In the survey, low vision and blindness were checked by ophthalmologists according to the WHO best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) criteria. Population weighted numbers and prevalence of low vision and blindness with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated where appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the social factors of visual impairment. The weighted prevalence of visual impairment was 17.17 (95% CI, 16.84–17.50) per 1000 Chinese adults aged 18 years and older. Cataract (57.35%), disorders of choroid and retina (9.80%), and disorders of cornea (6.49%) contributed more than 70 percent to the visual impairment in Chinese adults. Older age groups, young or middle-aged male adults, female elders, illiterate, rural dwellers, non-eastern residents, singles, unemployment, and from family with lower income were associated with visual impairment. More efforts are warranted to enhance treatment and rehabilitation among people with eye disorders to prevent visual impairment.

Suggested Citation

  • Chao Guo & Zhenjie Wang & Ping He & Gong Chen & Xiaoying Zheng, 2017. "Prevalence, Causes and Social Factors of Visual Impairment among Chinese Adults: Based on a National Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:9:p:1034-:d:111318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ryskulova, A. & Turczyn, K. & Makuc, D.M. & Cotch, M.F. & Klein, R.J. & Janiszewski, R., 2008. "Self-reported age-related eye diseases and visual impairment in the United States: Results of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(3), pages 454-461.
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