Depressive symptoms and Predictors Among Adult Myopic Patients Attending a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Northwest Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Getenet Shumet Birhan, Biruk Lelisa Eticha, Hunduma Gelalcha Shogo, Banchamelak Zeraye Yekunoamelak, Chalie Asmare Kindie, Abebech Fikade Shumye, Matiyas Mamo Bekele, Abebizuhan Zigale BayabilIntroduction
Depression is a common comorbidity among individuals with visual impairment, including those with myopia. Functional limitations, reduced quality of life, and psychosocial challenges associated with vision loss may increase the risk of depressive symptoms.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among adult myopic patients attending a tertiary eye care center in northwestern Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 adult myopic patients from June 10 to September 10, 2024. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data on demographic and clinical factors were collected using systematic random sampling. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical significance was set at
Results
The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 31.6% (95% CI: 27.1%–36.1%). Older age (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.32-2.69), lack of formal education (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.46-3.60), severe visual impairment (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.66-4.77), high daily screen time (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.58-2.26), and high myopia (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.65-5.83) were significantly associated factors.
Conclusion
Relatively higher magnitudes of depressive symptoms were observed among adult myopic patients. Factors such as high myopia, severe visual impairment, advanced age, and no formal education were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Routine screening and early psychological support should be incorporated into eye care services, with special attention to high-risk groups such as elderly, less-educated, and severely visually impaired patients. However, the clinic-based sample of newly diagnosed patients with no previous history of spectacle use may limit the generalizability of these findings to the broader myopic population, particularly those with established myopia and long-term experience with refractive correction.