Self-reported visual impairment, physical activity and all-cause mortality: The HUNT Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Ophthalmology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Visual impairment is a significant public health concern.
• Physical activity (PA) is known to influence mortality risk.
• The interplay between visual impairment, PA, and mortality requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between self-reported visual impairment (SRVI) and all-cause mortality.
• To examine the modifying effect of physical activity (PA) on this association.
• To explore age-specific mortality risks in relation to SRVI and PA.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 65,236 Norwegians (HUNT2, 1995-1997).
• Data linked to Norway's Cause of Death Registry for follow-up until 2012.
• Cox regression analyses used to assess hazard ratios, stratified by age groups (<60, 60-84, ⩾85 years).

Main Results:

• A total of 13,549 deaths occurred during a mean follow-up of 14.5 years.
• SRVI was associated with increased mortality, particularly in younger adults (<60 years): HR 2.47 (95% CI 1.94-3.13).
• The mortality risk associated with SRVI was higher for individuals reporting no PA, with a significant interaction effect in younger adults.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported visual impairment, especially when combined with no physical activity, is associated with elevated all-cause mortality risk.
• The strength of this association diminishes with increasing age.
• Public health interventions should consider visual status and physical activity levels.