Association Between Tobacco Consumption and Self-Reported Visual Impairment in Adults of High-Altitude Andean Communities of Peru

Abstract

To determine the association between tobacco consumption and self-reported visual impairment. We performed a cross-sectional study based on an original cohort study. A non-probabilistic sampling was performed to invite 413 patients of 60 years or more from 11 high-altitude Andean communities (altitude higher than 1500 m above sea level) of Peru between 2013 and 2017. Demographic data and information on tobacco consumption were collected. Associations were determined using a Poisson regression model with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of the 413 participants, 141 (34.14%) were men and 49 (11.86%) were tobacco users. In the adjusted model, tobacco users presented a high probability of visual impairment with a prevalence ratio of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.18–1.97). We also found that having two or more comorbidities 2.19 (95% CI: 1.53–3.15), receiving health assistance in a pharmacy 3.75 (95% CI: 1.97–7.16), and coffee consumption 1.67 (95% CI: 1.26–2.21) were factors significantly associated with self-reported visual impairment. We determined that in Peruvian high-altitude Andean communities, visual impairment was more frequent in individuals reporting tobacco consumption, taking alternative medicine, going directly to a drug store without primary care physician consultation, having more than one comorbidity, and coffee consumption.