Impact of socioeconomic factors and obesity on visual impairment among older adults in Poland.

Abstract

Introduction: Visual impairment is a significant public health concern, particularly among older adults in Poland.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of socioeconomic factors and health status on visual impairment among older adults in Poland.

Patients and methods: A total of 5987 individuals aged 60 years or older who participated in the PolSenior2 study were analyzed. Near visual acuity was assessed using the Snellen charts, and data on socioeconomic factors and comorbidities were collected using surveys. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify risk factors for visual impairment.

Results: In multivariable regression analysis, the odds of visual impairment were 1.72‑fold higher among the individuals aged 75 years and older than in those aged 60 to 74 years. Furthermore, the participants with primary education had 1.66‑fold higher odds of visual impairment, as compared with those with higher education. The individuals engaged in manual / farming work in the past, those who used to be unemployed, and those performing other non-white‑collar jobs in the past had 1.25-, 1.42-, and 1.26‑fold higher odds of visual impairment, respectively, as compared with white‑collar workers. Additionally, obesity was found to be associated with 0.85‑fold lower odds of visual impairment.

Conclusions: Our study showed that socioeconomic factors significantly impact visual health. Visual impairment was the most prevalent among older age groups (≥75 years), individuals with lower education levels or no education, the unemployed, and those who used to perform non-white-collar jobs. Additionally, obesity was inversely associated with the odds of visual impairment.