Prevalence and Factors Associated with Elevated Intraocular Pressure among Patients Attending General Outpatient Clinic at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Hospital (KCMC) 2024-2025

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.