Severity of visual impairment and depression among elderly Malaysians.
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>or=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.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this study suggest a positive relationship between the severity of visual impairment and depression among elderly Malaysians.
Noran
Naqiah Hairi
NH
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. noran@um.edu.my
Izzuna
Muldha Ghazali
MG
Bulgiba
Awang Mahmud
AM
Mimiwati
Zahari
Z
Ayu
Said Mas
SM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001766:Blindness / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012306:Risk; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*