Assessment of vision and hearing capacity of older adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Population ageing is associated with an increased burden of vision and hearing impairments, which significantly hampers the quality of life of older adults. Despite the substantial burden, no comprehensive assessment of vision and hearing has been conducted among older adults in Bangladesh. The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) approach of the World Health Organisation was found to be effective and feasible for measuring the burden of vision and hearing with all other domains of intrinsic capacity.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the status of vision and hearing capacity of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) and identify the factors associated with their impairments.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sujalpur Union of Birganj, a sub-district of Dinajpur, Bangladesh. The total sample size was 402, and the sampling technique was simple random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and anthropometric and other clinical measurements. Data analysis involved descriptive, bivariate, and regression analyses.

Results: The prevalence of vision impairment was 95.77% (n=385). And the prevalence of only distant vision impairment was 76.62% (n=308). Age (aOR:3.59, 95% CI: 1.89 - 6.8, p <0.001), hypertension, and fruit and vegetable consumption (aOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.07 - 4.7, p 0.032) were significantly associated with distant vision impairment. On the other hand, the prevalence of hearing impairment was 6.72% (n=27). And the prevalence of hearing impairment in at least one ear was 15.67% (n=63). Age (aOR: 4.73, 95% CI: 2.54 - 8.81, p <0.001) and dietary diversity (aOR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.05 - 4.08, p = 0.035) were significantly associated with hearing impairment in at least one ear.

Conclusions: A high prevalence of vision and hearing impairment was observed among older adults in rural Bangladesh. The findings of this study highlight the need to integrate vision and hearing related care services into existing primary healthcare facilities. The associated factors of vision and hearing impairment identified in this study should be considered while developing interventions for older adults.