National and Sub National Prevalence of Amblyopia and Its Trends From 1990 to 2018 in Iran; [Prevalencia Nacional Y Provincial De La Ambliopia Y Tendencias De 1990 a 2018 En Iran] Publisher Pubmed



Ashrafi E¹ ; Jamali S¹ ; Mohammadi SF¹ ; Mehdipoor P²
Source: Journal of Optometry Published:2020

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the national and subnational prevalence of amblyopia and the respective provincial distribution and trend during 1990–2018 in Iran. Methods: Amblyopia data retrieved from 26 original studies, systematic reviews, Data has been cleaned by STATA and a linear mixed effect spatio-temporal model was used to calculate Gaussian process regression mean functions. Using a Bayesian approach, by pooling empirical data based on the assumed prior, a posterior distribution obtained for age and sex specific prevalence prediction nationally during the study time and provincially. Results: The overall age-adjusted prevalence of Amblyopia was 0.03 (95% CI, 0.022–0.035). The prevalence was comparable in boys and girls (p = 0.85), highest prevalence was in >30 years old (p = 0.038). Our extrapolation revealed a stable trend of prevalence of Amblyopia in Iran during 1990–2018 (national screening program has been active from 1990 onwards). While Amblyopia prevalence suggested a declining trend in three provinces of Hormozgan, Qom and Tehran and it went up in 13 other provinces. Conclusion: Amblyopia prevalence seems unchanged despite the concurrent screening program. It is noteworthy that the coverage of the program has been improved and has reached more than 85% in 2018. Our finding mandates a formal evaluation on the program. © 2020 Spanish General Council of Optometry