Overview
To assess the psychosocial impact of cataract surgery on patients with cataract induced visual impairment in Garissa County.
Principal Investigator
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Among all the causes of blindness, cataract is the leading, accounting for about 51% of blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide. Cataract is treated by surgical removal of the opacified lens. Cataract surgery has been shown to have an impact on quality of life. Quality of life has several dimensions. This study will focus on the psychological and social dimensions with regards to vision and general health. Annually, Sub-Saharan African countries loose approximately 0.5% of their gross domestic productivity secondary to low vision and blindness. In addition, people who have cataract induced visual impairment have difficulties in doing their usual daily activities, engaging in social activities and hence become dependent on others. Other than economic losses, it also poses a burden on the psychosocial aspects of quality of life to patients as well as their families. Cataract surgery is effective in reinstating vision. A better understanding of its psychosocial impact i.e. its role in alleviating anxiety, depression, enabling participation in social activities and reducing dependency, will guide allocation of resources to low resource communities to improve access to surgery.
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To assess the psychosocial impact of cataract surgery on patients with cataract induced visual impairment in Garissa County.
STUDY SITE
Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital in Garissa township, which is located 370km from Nairobi and is the regional headquarters for North Eastern Kenya.
