Social Deprivation and the Risk of Screening Positive for Glaucoma in the MI-SIGHT Telemedicine-Based Glaucoma Detection Program

中文摘要

本研究旨在評估個人層次和社區層次的貧困程度是否與青光眼或疑似青光眼的篩檢陽性結果相關?研究結果顯示，個人層次的貧困（不開私人車前往預約地點）和社區層次的貧困都與青光眼或疑似青光眼的篩檢陽性率增加有關。人們的社會經濟地位越低，罹患青光眼的風險越高。本研究還發現，沒有開私人車前往預約地點、種族（黑人）、居住在更貧困的社區以及有眼科醫療服務提供者與篩檢陽性結果有顯著相關。總結而言，貧困程度以及個人和社區層次的貧困與青光眼或疑似青光眼的篩檢陽性結果有關。這些結果強調了社會風險因素對青光眼篩檢結果的影響，並呼籲相應的公共衛生政策幫助改善貧困社區青光眼篩檢的水平，以提升青光眼診斷和治療的可及性。其中，篩檢陽性後提供的持續支持，有助於減少不必要的、不可逆的視力損失和失明。

English Abstract

The content discusses the association between poverty, socioeconomic status, and glaucoma. It highlights that personal poverty, as indicated by not driving a personal vehicle to the appointment, and neighborhood-level poverty are linked to higher rates of screening positive for glaucoma or suspected glaucoma. The article also points out that people with lower socioeconomic status, particularly Black Americans who are disproportionately affected by poverty, are more likely to develop glaucoma. Additionally, it emphasizes the impact of earlier onset and more severe disease on morbidity and quality of life. The article mentions that a significant number of glaucoma cases remain undiagnosed, with many individuals unaware of their condition. Notably, social risk factors, including personal-level and neighborhood-level deprivation, are analyzed in relation to the likelihood of screening positive for glaucoma or suspected glaucoma. The content suggests implementing telemedicine or technology-based programs in high-poverty neighborhoods to improve access to glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Overall, the research contributes to understanding the genetic and environmental factors influencing glaucoma risk and highlights the need for targeted interventions in underserved communities.