Eye Care Behaviors among Adults in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 17;20(4):3590. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043590.

Abstract

Implementation of eye care behaviors may reduce the risk of eye symptoms and diseases. This study aimed to assess eye care behaviors and identify factors associated with eye care practices among adults in Poland. This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 9 and 12 December 2022 on a nationwide random quota sample of adults in Poland. The study questionnaire included a set of questions on 10 different eye care behaviors. The study population included 1076 participants with a mean age of 45.7 ± 16.2 years, and 54.2% of participants were females. The most common (30.2%) eye care behavior was the use of good lighting indoors, and 27.3% used sunglasses with a UV filter. More than one-fifth of participants declared taking regular screen breaks and limiting screen time. Less than one-tenth of participants used dietary supplements with lutein, beta-carotene, or zinc. Out of 12 factors assessed in this study, self-reported knowledge of eye diseases was the most important factor associated (p < 0.05) with eye care behaviors. There were no economic or educational gaps (p > 0.05) in the implementation of most of the eye care behaviors among adults in Poland. This study revealed a low level of implementation of eye care behaviors among adults in Poland.

Keywords: Poland; eye diseases; ophthalmology; prevention; vision impairment; visual hygiene.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lutein*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Poland / epidemiology
  • beta Carotene*

Substances

  • Lutein
  • beta Carotene

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.