The Clinical Burden and Spectrum of Ophthalmic Disorders in Stone Industry Employees from Nigeria

• 作者: Ada Aghaji Boniface Ikenna Eze Chimdia Ogbonnaya Chinyelu Nkemdilim Ezisi Felix Udenna Ezepue Nkechi Judith Uche Obiekwe Okoye Rich Umeh
• 来源期刊: 眼科学期刊(英文)
• 学科: 医学
• 关键词: Industry Vision DISORDERS OCCUPATIONAL Health Services Administration OPHTHALMIC NIGERIA
• 年，卷（期）: 2018,（4）
• 页码范围: 191-206
• 页数: 16页
• 分类号: R73

摘要

Background: Workers in the stone industry are exposed to many ocular health hazards. There is a paucity of data on the profile of ophthalmic disorders in this vulnerable group, especially in developing countries. Aim: We aimed to determine the burden and spectrum of ophthalmic disorders in stone workers in Abakiliki, Nigeria. Methods: In a population-based cross-sectional survey of stone industry workers conducted in Nigeria, between February and April 2012, relevant data from participants were collected. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed and statistical significance was indicated by p Results: Participants (n = 384;males, 158;females, 226) were aged 32 ± 11.8 SD years (range, 14 - 68 years) and comprised 105 (27.3%) stone quarry workers and 226 (72.7%) stone processing workers. Of these, 298 (77.6%) had some form of ophthalmic disorder, which frequently involved the ocular anterior segment (69.9%) or posterior segment (4.9%). Work-related eye injuries were reported by 36.5% of employees. Leading disorders were anterior segment: pterygium-associated (37.9%). Visual impairment (2.9%) and monocular blindness (1.3%) were reported. The prevalence of eye disorders was not significantly associated with participant socio-demographic or work characteristics. Male gender (p = 0.001) and engagement in stone processing (p = 0.001) were significant predictors of work-related eye injury. Conclusions: Among stone industry workers in Abakaliki, Nigeria, there is a high prevalence of ophthalmic disorders, frequently of the ocular anterior segment, and work-related eye injuries are commonly reported. Occupational eye health education, provision of protective eye devices and appropriate ophthalmic care are suggested.