Rationale, methods and baseline demographics of the Bhaktapur Glaucoma Study.

BACKGROUND

To describe the methodology and baseline data of a population-based study designed to determine the prevalence of glaucoma and to study the risk factors for glaucoma development in a Nepali population.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Subjects 40 years and above residing in Bhaktapur District.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Power calculations suggest that a sample size of 4758 is required. Thirty clusters were randomly selected from the 2 municipalities and 16 Village Development Committees of Bhaktapur District in Nepal. A door-to-door census was conducted in the selected clusters to identify citizens 40 years of age and older. Demographic details were collected and a structured interview, regarding awareness for cataract and glaucoma was taken. All individuals fulfilling the eligibility criteria were recruited and referred to the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu for a detailed clinical examination including glaucoma diagnostic procedures. Peripheral blood samples were taken to facilitate future genetic analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of glaucoma, risk factors and genetic screening.

RESULTS

A total of 4800 people were selected. The mean age of participants was 55.4 ± 12.3 years (range: 40-99) and 51.8% were female. In total, 64.8% of our cohort was aged less than 59 years and 60.5% were illiterate. Among the various ethnic races, 69.7% belonged to the Newar ethnic group.

CONCLUSION

This study will determine the prevalence of glaucoma and allow for an increased understanding of the risk factors for glaucoma development in this region.