TY - JOUR
T1 - Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa
T2 - a scoping review
AU - Attafuah, Priscilla Yeye Adumoah
AU - Mordi, Prince
AU - Aggrey, Esi Kyirba
AU - Quaicoe, Adjoa Safoa Panyin
AU - Sarfo, Jacob Owusu
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.
PY - 2024/12
Y1 - 2024/12
N2 - Introduction: Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, mainly affecting older adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on the prevalence, contextual factors, and management strategies for cataracts among older adults in SSA. Method: Four central databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar) were searched, yielding 383 records. Additional searches produced eight records. After screening and applying inclusion criteria, 26 full-text articles were eligible for further review. Finally, seven full-text records were included in the thematic analysis and synthesis. Results: Cataract prevalence among older adults in SSA ranged from 13.5–62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely (12.1–96%). Significant barriers to effective management include lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, economic constraints, gender disparities, and cultural misconceptions about cataract surgery. Conclusion: There is a significant burden of cataracts among older adults in SSA, with considerable variations in prevalence and surgical coverage across the region. Comprehensive strategies addressing awareness, accessibility, affordability, and cultural factors are needed to improve cataract management and reduce visual impairment in SSA.
AB - Introduction: Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, mainly affecting older adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on the prevalence, contextual factors, and management strategies for cataracts among older adults in SSA. Method: Four central databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar) were searched, yielding 383 records. Additional searches produced eight records. After screening and applying inclusion criteria, 26 full-text articles were eligible for further review. Finally, seven full-text records were included in the thematic analysis and synthesis. Results: Cataract prevalence among older adults in SSA ranged from 13.5–62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely (12.1–96%). Significant barriers to effective management include lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, economic constraints, gender disparities, and cultural misconceptions about cataract surgery. Conclusion: There is a significant burden of cataracts among older adults in SSA, with considerable variations in prevalence and surgical coverage across the region. Comprehensive strategies addressing awareness, accessibility, affordability, and cultural factors are needed to improve cataract management and reduce visual impairment in SSA.
KW - Cataract
KW - Management
KW - Older Adults
KW - Prevalence
KW - Scoping Review
KW - Sub-Saharan Africa
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85205818510&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
DO - 10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
M3 - Review article
C2 - 39367459
AN - SCOPUS:85205818510
SN - 1471-2415
VL - 24
JO - BMC Ophthalmology
JF - BMC Ophthalmology
IS - 1
M1 - 434
ER -