EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF OCULAR INJURIES ON MENTAL HEALTH IN BANGLADESH: A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Eye injuries represent a significant cause of preventable vision loss globally, affecting individuals irrespective of their socio-economic status or demographic profile. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile of both occupational and non-occupational ocular injuries in Bangladesh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 117 purposively selected eye injury cases treated at four eye hospitals in Dhaka, Tangail, and Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The study collected data on various socio-demographic factors and the circumstances surrounding the eye injuries. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male (69.2%), with a mean age of 29.70 years. Secondary-level education was prevalent among the study subjects (24.8%), and the monthly income of most participants (62.4%) fell within the range of 12,000-30,999 Bangladeshi Taka. The leading causes of eye injuries were identified as the lack of protective measures at work, carelessness, and road traffic accidents in workplace, home, and other settings, respectively. Activities such as maintaining or cleaning instruments at the workplace, looking after children at home, and riding vehicles were commonly associated with eye injuries. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between eye injuries and participants' age, gender, occupation, educational qualification, and monthly family income. This study sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors associated with eye injuries in Bangladesh, emphasizing their occurrence in various settings, including home and the workplace. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive preventive measures at personal, community, and national levels to mitigate the burden of eye injuries in Bangladesh, considering their impact not only on individual health but also on productivity and mental well-being.