CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTIOON

Introduction

Visual impairment among young adults is a significant public health concern, particularly in Buea municipality in Cameroon. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies various factors contributing to visual impairment, including nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to conditions such as vitamin A deficiency, a well-known cause of preventable blindness.

In many African countries, access to essential nutrients and supplements is often limited due to economic constraints, lack of awareness, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. This deficiency can exacerbate existing health issues and lead to a higher prevalence of visual impairment among young adults.

Furthermore, the educational and social implications of visual impairment are profound. Young adults with visual impairments often face challenges in accessing education and employment opportunities, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization. Understanding the specific nutritional gaps and their impact on visual health is crucial for developing targeted interventions that can improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

This research aims to analyse the various causes of visual impairment in young adults in the Buea and also  the relationship between nutritional supplements and visual health, examining how deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals contribute to the prevalence of visual impairment in young adults in Buea. By identifying these links, the study aims to inform public health strategies and educational programs that can enhance awareness and access to necessary supplements, ultimately improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Background of the Study;

Visual problems, including conditions such as myopia, astigmatism, and colour blindness have become a global concern affecting individuals of all age groups. In recent years, young adults (age 18-35) have been increasingly affected by visual problems, posing challenges to their daily activities, education and overall well being. While genetics and environmental factors contributes to visual problems, nutrition has emerged as a significant determinant of eye health. Adequate intake of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, is crucial for maintaining optimal visual function. However, deficiencies in specific nutrients can lead to various eye conditions, such as ocular degeneration, cataracts and dry eyes.

Historically, visual impairments have been linked to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies. In many regions, including Buea, the prevalence of conditions like vitamin A deficiency has been documented as a leading cause of preventable blindness. Over the years, public health initiatives have aimed to address these deficiencies through education and supplementation programs. However, access to these programs has often been inconsistent, leading to ongoing challenges in managing visual health.

Also, visual impairment was often attributed to genetic factors or infectious diseases. In many cultures, blindness and visual impairments were stigmatized, leading to a lack of comprehensive studies and public health initiatives focused on prevention and treatment. In Cameroon, as in many African countries, traditional medicine played a predominant role in addressing health issues, including visual impairments. However those practices often lack scientific grounding leading to inadequate management of preventable conditions.

In the past,vitamin A deficiency has been a significant cause of visual impairment, particularly in developing countries. This deficiency can lead to conditions such as xerophthalmia, which is characterized by dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, and can result in severe visual impairment or blindness if untreated. Young adults in regions with limited access to diverse diets are particularly vulnerable to these deficiencies. Besides vitamin A, deficiencies in other essential nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to visual impairments. Zinc is crucial for maintaining retinal health, while omega-3 fatty acids are important for overall eye function. A lack of these nutrients can exacerbate existing eye conditions or contribute to the development of new ones.

Economic constraints have historically limited access to essential supplements. Many young adults prioritize basic needs over health-related expenditures, which can lead to inadequate intake of necessary vitamins and minerals. This economic reality perpetuates cycles of poor health outcomes and increases vulnerability to visual impairments. Many communities have not recognized the link between diet and visual health. This lack of awareness has resulted in insufficient intake of necessary nutrients. Educational initiatives that inform young adults about the importance of nutrition for preventing visual impairments have often been lacking. Access to healthcare services has historically been uneven, particularly in rural and undeserved urban areas. Young adults may not receive regular eye exams or nutritional counseling, leading to undiagnosed conditions that could be treated with proper supplements. The absence of preventive care programs has contributed to the persistence of visual impairments.

While some regions have implemented public health initiatives aimed at addressing vitamin deficiencies, their reach has often been limited. Programs that distribute supplements or fortify staple foods with essential vitamins have had varying degrees of success, leaving many young adults without necessary nutrients for eye health

Conceptually, visual impairment encompasses a range of conditions that affects vision, including partial sight and complete blindness. According to the World Health Organization(WHO), Over 2.2 billion people globally experience vision impairment, with significant impacts on quality of life and daily functioning (WHO 2019). Common causes like cataracts, age-related issues, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy. Research has shown that early detection and intervention can significantly mitigate these effects.

Essential supplements such as minerals and vitamins, play a crucial role in maintaining eye health and preventing deficiencies. For example vitamin A, C, and E, along with zinc, are linked to eye health. In previous studies it indicated that supplementing with these nutrients may reduce the risk of age-related degeneration and cataracts (Biesemeier et al., 2018).

Nutrient deficiencies can lead to visual problems. Common deficiencies such as vitamin A deficiency, can result to night blindness and increased susceptibility to eye infections (Sommer, 2008). The role of diet in preventing deficiencies was well analyzed, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (Drewnowski & Almiron-Roig, 2010). Public health initiatives often focus on improving dietary habit to reduce the prevalence of deficiencies and associated health problems.

In studying the causes of visual impairment in young adults in the Buea municipality, particularly focusing on the lack of essential supplements, several theoretical frameworks can be applied to guide the research:

The health belief model by Irwin Rosenstock a psychologist in the 1960s posits that individual health behaviors are influenced by personal beliefs about health conditions. In this context, it can help explore how young adults perceive the importance of nutritional supplements for eye health and how these perceptions affect their dietary choices.

The social determinant of health was developed by several researchers but one of the main contributors to this theory was Micheal Marmot in 2008 which emphasizes the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on health outcomes. It can be used to analyze how socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare resources in Buea influence the availability and consumption of essential supplements, thereby affecting visual health.

This ecological model was created by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979 considers multiple levels of influence on health behaviors, including individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors. It can provide a comprehensive view of how various factors, such as family nutrition practices, community health initiatives, and government policies, contribute to visual impairment among young adults.

The nutritional epidemiology framework was developed by many researchers but one of the key personality was Walter Willett in 1990 who focused on the relationship between diet, health, and disease. It can be particularly relevant in examining the specific nutritional deficiencies that may lead to visual impairment, allowing for a detailed investigation into the types of supplements lacking in the diets of young adults in Buea.

Also, the relationship between nutrition and visual impairment. The psychological model by George Engel in 1977 were he pointed that biological factors (like nutritional status), psychological factors (such as mental health), and social factors (including access to healthcare) all interact to influence an individual’s health outcomes. This model highlights how deficiencies in supplements can not only lead to physical impairments but also affect psychological well-being and social participation.

Additionally, the social model of disability was actively developed by a British activist and scholar Mike Oliver in the late 1980s it suggested that societal barriers, including inadequate access to nutritional supplements, contribute to the experience of disability. This perspective encourages a focus on improving access to resources and support systems to mitigate the impact of visual impairments.

Contextually, the situation in Buea reflects broader issues of food security and healthcare access. Economic constraints can limit individuals’ ability to obtain necessary supplements, increasing the risk of visual impairments. Furthermore, cultural beliefs and practices regarding nutrition may influence dietary choices, potentially leading to deficiencies.

Despite the growing recognition of the role of nutrition in visual health, there is a lack of comprehensive research focused on young adults and their nutritional status in relation to visual problems, particularly in the Buea municipality. Understanding the extent of nutrient deficiencies and their association with visual problems in this specific population is essential for designing targeted interventions to address the issue. This study aims to bridge this research gab by investigating the nutritional status and prevalence of visual problems among young adults in the Buea municipality. (Hormfry; 2019).

Statement of the Problem

Visual impairment is a pressing global health issue affecting approximately 2.7 billion people worldwide with significant implications for individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 1.5 billion people suffer from visual impairment with many cases being preventable or treatable. Among young adults, visual impairment not only impacts quality of life but also hinders educational and professional opportunities, perpetuating cycle of poverty and limiting socio-economic development.

In Buea municipality, there is a growing concern regarding the prevalence of visual impairment among young adults which may be significantly influenced by a lack of essential nutritional supplements. Despite the critical role that vitamins and mineral play in maintaining eye health, many young adults in this region may not be receiving adequate nutrition due to dietary habits, Socioeconomic factors and limited access to supplements. This situation ask important questions about the underlying causes of visual impairment in this demographic and highlights a potential gap in public health awareness and intervention.

This research seeks to address the specific causes of visual impairment among the young adults in Buea, with a particular focus on the role of nutritional deficiencies related to essential supplements. Also this research aims in addressing the different visual problems that are rampant in Buea like sensitivity to sunlight, redness in the eyes, river blindness and many more in Buea.

Research Objective

To investigate the prevalence of specific nutritional deficiencies related to essential supplements among young adults in Buea municipality

General Objective

To study the causes of visual impairment in young adults in the Buea municipality, with a focus on the lack of essential supplements.

Specific objectives

1. To examine the level of awareness regarding the importance of essential supplements for eye health among young adults in Buea.
2. To explore the dietary habits of young adults in Buea municipality and determine how these habits contribute to visual impairments.
3. To assess how visual impairment potentially linked to a lack of essential supplements affect the overall quality of life and daily functionality of young adults in Buea.

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