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Abstract
TYPES OF EYE DISEASES IN PATIENTS REFERRED TO COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH UNITS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN IRAQ 2017-2021
*Atheel Sameer Saleh, Ali Jalil Alwan and Huda Ibrahim Asal
ABSTRACT
Background: Visual impairment (VI) is a significant global health issue, impacting individuals' quality of life and placing a burden on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Iraq, community eye health units are critical in diagnosing and managing various eye diseases. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of eye diseases in patients attending community eye health units in primary health care centers across Iraq from 2017 to 2021, focusing on gender, age groups, and provincial differences. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from community eye health units across Iraq, excluding provinces like Saladin, Anbar, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil. Data from 2017 to 2021 were obtained from the Iraqi Ministry of Health and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The study included information on diagnosed eye conditions such as refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis, categorized by age, gender, and province. Data were analyzed as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 606,254 cases of eye diseases were recorded during the five-year period. The number of cases increased steadily from 2017 to 2019, peaking at 82,724 cases in 2019, before declining during 2020 and 2021, likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Refractive errors were the most common condition, accounting for the highest proportion of cases. The distribution of eye diseases was nearly equal between males and females. Baghdad–Alkarkh recorded the highest prevalence of eye diseases, followed by Basra and Dhi Qar. Conclusion: Eye disease diagnoses in Iraq showed a peak in 2019 followed by a decline, likely due to the pandemic's impact on healthcare services. Refractive errors were the most prevalent condition, and the distribution was similar across genders. Baghdad–Alkarkh had the highest prevalence of eye diseases, highlighting the need for enhanced eye care services in specific regions.
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