Lifestyle factors and cataract: a cross-sectional study among cataract patients attending an outreach program run by Al-Basar International Foundation, Bangladesh
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally. In Bangladesh, limited access to well-equipped medical centers in rural areas exacerbates the cataract burden. Lifestyle factors, including smoking, betel-leaf chewing, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, screen time, sleep patterns, and use of sunglasses, have been implicated in cataract formation. This study aimed to explore these factors among cataract patients in outreach programs conducted by the Al-Basar International Foundation in Bangladesh. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,020 cataract patients from two free eye camps in Bogura and Joypurhat districts in October and November 2022. Participants diagnosed with cataracts by certified ophthalmologists and recommended for surgery were included. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 to evaluate the associations between variables. RESULTS: The majority of participants were aged 45–54 years (35.0%), male (53.5%), and illiterate (50.0%). Key lifestyle findings revealed that 27.4% were smokers, 43.8% chewed betel leaves, and 85.5% did not use sunglasses. Physical inactivity was reported by 52.6%, and irregular screen time was prevalent among 70.2%. Nutritional food intake was occasional for 33.6%, and 36.6% had inadequate sleep ( < 6 hours/day). Significant associations were observed between socio-demographic factors and lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol use, betel-leaf consumption, and the use of sunglasses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the influence of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors on cataract development in Bangladesh. Interventions focusing on education, awareness, and behavioral modifications, such as promoting the use of sunglasses and nutritional diets while reducing smoking and betel-leaf consumption, are essential for mitigating cataract risk. These insights can inform public health strategies to alleviate the cataract burden in rural Bangladesh.
Source: Ophthalmology Journal
DOI: 10.5603/oj.104297
Institution: Bangladesh Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414518019