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Severity of Visual Impairment and Depression Among Elderly Malaysians

Departments of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya, noran{at}um.edu.my

Muldha Ghazali Izzuna, MBBS, MPH

Ministry of Health Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Awang Mahmud Bulgiba, MPH, PhD

Departments of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya

Zahari Mimiwati, MOphth, FRCS Ophth

Department of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya

Said Mas Ayu, MBBS, MPH

Departments of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya

Objective. This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between severity of visual impairment and depression among elderly Malaysians attending an eye clinic. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. The study population included patients, aged 60 years who attended the Eye Clinic in University Malaya Medical Centre. Exposure measurement was based on ophthalmologic examinations by an ophthalmologist. Data on outcome were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results. After adjusting for important confounders, severity of visual impairment either having low vision or blind were independent risk factors of depression. The odds of developing depression among elderly with low vision were 2 times more than those with normal vision, and elderly who were blind had almost 5 times the odds to be depressed compared with those having normal vision. Conclusion. Findings from this study suggest a positive relationship between the severity of visual impairment and depression among elderly Malaysians.

Key Words: blinds • depression • elderly • low vision

This version was published on January 1, 2009

Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, Vol. 21, No. 1, 43-50 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1010539508327353


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