THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE AND GENDER WITH THE INCIDENCE OF CATARACT AT THE OUTPATIENT UNIT (EYE CLINIC) OF BATARA SIANG REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL, PANGKEP REGENCY, 2023

Abstract

Cataract is a condition where the normally clear and transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy (Ilyas, 2024). Factors that influence the occurrence of cataract include intrinsic factors such as age, gender, and genetics, while extrinsic factors include occupation, education, smoking, environment, and economic status (Irawan, 2023).

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 45 million cases of blindness worldwide, with one-third of them located in Southeast Asia. It is estimated that 12 people go blind every minute globally, and 4 of them are from Southeast Asia, while in Indonesia, it is estimated that one person goes blind every minute. Most blind (visually impaired) individuals in Indonesia are found in poor areas with weak socioeconomic conditions.

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between age and gender and the incidence of cataract at the Outpatient Unit (Eye Clinic) of Batara Siang Regional General Hospital, Pangkep Regency, in 2023.

This research employed an analytical survey method with a cross-sectional approach, targeting respondents who visited the Eye Clinic using secondary data and a checklist measurement instrument. The total sample was 48 respondents. From the univariate analysis, it was found that 25 respondents (93%) were in the at-risk age category for cataract, while 18 respondents (67%) were female.

The results of the statistical test showed a p-value of 0.065 (p < 0.05) for age and a p-value of 0.441 (p < 0.05) for gender. This indicates that there is no significant relationship between age and gender with the incidence of cataract at the Outpatient Unit (Eye Clinic) of Batara Siang Regional General Hospital, Pangkep Regency, in 2023. It is recommended for Batara Siang Regional General Hospital, Pangkep Regency, to implement intensive management or treatment of cataract to reduce the disease incidence, especially in the elderly.

Keywords: Age, Gender, Cataract.