234091 Utilization of National Data to Address Vision Health Disparities: Pros and Cons

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 12:48 PM - 1:03 PM

Xinzhi Zhang, MD, PhD , Vision Health Initiative, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Purpose: To assess the usefulness of existing national surveys to address vision and eye health disparities. Design: Cross-sectional, nationally representative sample. Methods: We used data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Estimates were weighted to represent the civilian, non-institutionalized US population using SAS and SUDDAN. Main outcome measures include age-related eye diseases (diabetic retinopathy [DR], age-related macular degeneration [AMD], cataract, and glaucoma) and eye care utilization. Results: In NHANES 2005-2008, non-Hispanic black individuals and Hispanic individuals were more likely to have DR compared to non-Hispanic white individuals (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). Non-Hispanic white individuals were more likely to have cataract compared to non-Hispanic black individuals (p<0.001). Compared to their non-Hispanic white and Hispanic counterparts, non-Hispanic black individuals were less likely to have AMD (both p<0.001), but more likely to have glaucoma (both p<0.001). From 1999 to 2008, individuals with less education and lower income had consistently less access to eye care services (all p<0.001). Conclusions: A national surveillance system is necessary to assess and monitor long-term outcomes of improved prevention and control of eye diseases and vision loss, increased access to eye care, better quality of life for the visually impaired and enhanced vision health promotion throughout all life stages.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Describe why a national surveillance system is necessary to assess and monitor long-term outcomes of improved prevention and control of eye diseases.

Keywords: Surveillance, Vision Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because of my experience and expertise in the field. I am a senior service fellow at CDC Vision Health Initiative and the lead scientist for CDC Translational Research Centers for vision health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.