Prevalence and Factors Associated with Elevated Intraocular Pressure among Patients Attending General Outpatient Clinic at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Hospital (KCMC) 2024-2025
Mwalimu Nassoro
*
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania, Ophthalmology Department, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania and Mzenga Health Center, Kisarawe District, Tanzania.
Andrew Makupa
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania and Ophthalmology Department, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.
Baraka Moshi
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania and Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania.
Mchikirwa Msina
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania and Ophthalmology Department, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with elevated intraocular pressure among patients attending Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) zonal referral hospital at general outpatient clinic, 2024-2025.
Study Design: Hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at KCMC zonal referral hospital at general outpatient clinic for a duration of six months from October 2024 to March 2025.
Methodology: This study included 287 patients aged 40 years and above who attended at KCMC general outpatient clinic. The primary outcome was elevated intraocular pressure (>21 mmHg). Data collected included blood pressure, body mass index, intraocular pressure measured by a rebound tonometer, optical coherence tomography for optic disc evaluation, visual field test and refractive error by autorefractor.
Results: The prevalence of elevated intraocular pressure was 11.8% and 47.1% of patients with elevated intraocular pressure had glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure was significantly associated with female sex (AOR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.11–17.80), alcohol consumption (AOR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.29–13.81), family history of glaucoma (AOR: 26.2; 95% CI: 7.27–94.70), hypertension (AOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.22,-3.91), refractive error (myopia) (AOR: 9.7; 95% CI: 2.66-35.62), and obesity (AOR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.01–13.20).
Conclusion: Elevated IOP is associated with hypertension, alcohol use, female sex, refractive error, obesity, and family history. Screening high-risk individuals in non-ophthalmic clinics could help prevent glaucoma-related vision loss.
Keywords: Prevalence, elevated intraocular pressure, general outpatient clinic, glaucoma