Prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Vision impairment results from compromised visual system functions. Among adults with vision impairment, there’s reduced workforce engagement and productivity, coupled with increased depression and anxiety compared to the general population. Establishing a solid understanding of its prevalence and predictors is essential for developing targeted interventions and support systems. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hawassa City in 2023. The sample size was determined by using a single population proportion formula. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data were collected by using Kobo software and exported to a statistical package for Social Science version 26 for analysis. Associated factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression with a P-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence level used to declare a significant association. A total of 951 individuals participated with a response rate of 96.4%. the prevalence of visual impairment was 18.4%. Age above 40 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47, 4.44), history of eye check-ups (AOR = 8.06, 95% CI: 4.84, 13.44), visual display unit use (AOR = 5.00, 95% CI: 3.29, 7.58), and history of diabetes (AOR = 2.35,95% CI: 1.07, 5.18) were significantly associated with visual impairment. In this study, the prevalence of Visual impairment was high among adults. age > 40, diabetes, history of eye checkups, and visual display unit use were the factors associated with visual impairment.