Related Experiment Videos
Uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment in U.S. Hispanic children and adolescents
1Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Insights
Puerto Rican children and adolescents exhibit the highest rates of uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment among U.S. Hispanic populations. Older age and female gender are linked to increased prevalence of uncorrected visual impairment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Uncorrected refractive errors are a significant cause of visual impairment globally.
- Hispanic populations in the U.S. may face unique barriers to eye care access.
- Understanding visual impairment prevalence is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare the prevalence of uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment.
- To analyze rates across different U.S. Hispanic subgroups: Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Puerto Ricans.
- To identify demographic factors associated with visual impairment in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1982-1984).
- Inclusion of 6-19 year-old participants from Cuban-American, Mexican-American, and Puerto Rican backgrounds.
- Assessment of visual acuity using standard methods like Sloan Letters or Landolt Rings.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates of uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment (20/30 or worse) were 15.5% (Cuban-Americans), 14.9% (Mexican-Americans), and 23.6% (Puerto Ricans).
- Puerto Ricans showed significantly higher rates compared to Cuban-Americans and Mexican-Americans (p < 0.05).
- Adolescents (13-19 years) and females had higher rates than younger children (6-12 years) and males, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Puerto Rican children and adolescents have the highest prevalence of uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment within the studied Hispanic groups.
- Older age and female gender are significant risk factors for higher rates of uncorrected visual impairment.
- Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive vision screening and intervention programs for Hispanic youth.
Purpose:
To assess and compare uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment rates in U.S. Hispanic children and adolescents.
Methods:
Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1982-1984, were analyzed for 6-19 year-old Cuban-Americans (n = 317), Mexican-Americans (n = 2519), and Puerto Ricans (n = 988). Visual acuity was assessed using Sloan Letters or Landolt Rings.
Results:
Prevalence rates of uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment (20/30 or worse) were 15.5%, 14.9%, and 23.6% for Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Puerto Ricans, respectively. After adjusting for age and gender, the differences between Puerto Ricans and both Cuban-Americans and Mexican-Americans were significant (p < 0.05). Children 6-12 years of age had lower visual impairment rates than 13-19 year-old adolescents. Girls had higher age-adjusted visual impairment rates than boys; these gender differences were statistically significant among Mexican-Americans (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.2) and Puerto Ricans (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.4).
Conclusions:
Among Hispanics, Puerto Rican children and adolescents have the highest prevalence rate of uncorrected binocular distance visual impairment; older age and female gender are associated with higher rates of uncorrected visual impairment.