Prevalence and Behavioral-based Risk Factors of Symptomatic Dry Eye Disease in Middle Eastern Countries
- Publication Type
- Conference Paper
- Authors
Introduction:
The exposure to irritating toxicants such as tobacco and eye cosmetics use may affect the tear film secretion and stability and therefore leads to dry eye disease (DED). This study aimed to assess, for the first time, the prevalence of symptomatic DED and investigate behavioral-based risk factors (Eye cosmetics and Tobacco Use) in the four neighboring Middle Eastern countries.
Methods:
Population-based cross-sectional study of 1463 participants from 4 Mediterranean countries (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine). The Arabic version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (ARB-OSDI) questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence and severity of symptomatic DED using an online format survey.
The survey also included demographic questions and possible behavioral risk factors (tobacco and cosmetic use).
The data were analyzed SPSS 21. The prevalence of symptomatic DED in the participants was determined by the percentage of the population with OSDI score ≥ 13 (mild, moderate, and severe OSDI status). The significant differences between variables were evaluated using the One-way ANOVA and the cross-tabulation tests.
Results:
The prevalence of symptomatic DED (OSDI score ≥ 13) among the overall population (332 males and 1132 females) reached 70.2%.
This study has shown that cosmetic usage and tobacco smoking are significantly associated with the prevalence and severity of symptomatic DED (P < 0.05), with a higher prevalence of symptomatic DED in Jordan and Palestine. Increasing awareness about the effects of tobacco and cosmetic use on eye dryness is needed. .
- Conference Title
- The First National Health Research Conference
- Conference Country
- Palestine
- Conference Date
- Dec. 5, 2022 - Dec. 5, 2022
- Conference Sponsor
- Palestinian Ministry of Health- Health education & scientific research unit