The Association Between Physical Activity and Cataracts Among 17,777 People Aged 15-69 Years Residing in Spain

Guillermo F López-Sánchez, Shahina Pardhan, Mike Trott, Sheila Sánchez-Castillo, Sarah E Jackson, Mark Tully, Trish Gorely, Rubén López-Bueno, Nicola Veronese, Maria Skalska, Joanna Jastrzębska, Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Lee Smith

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Abstract

Purpose : The aim of the present study was to assess the association between levels of physical activity (PA) and the presence of cataracts in people aged 15-69 years residing in Spain. Methods : Cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed (n = 17,777 ≥ 15 years; 52% females; self-weighting sample). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to measure PA. Total PA MET-minutes/week were calculated, and participants were divided into two categories: 1) Less than 600 MET-minutes/week. 2) At least 600 MET-minutes/week, equivalent to meeting current PA recommendations. Cataracts were self-reported in response to the question "Have you ever been diagnosed with cataracts?". Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations overall and by age groups (15-49, 50-64, and 65-69 years; 15-49 and 50-69 years). Covariates included in the analysis were sex, education, BMI (Body Mass Index), multimorbidity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Results : The overall prevalence of cataract was 3.7%, and the overall prevalence of participating in less than 600 MET-minutes/week of PA was 30.2%. In the adjusted overall analysis, less than 600 MET-minutes/week of PA was associated with significantly higher odds for cataract: OR = 1.324 (95% CI = 1.116-1.571). Age-stratified analyses showed that the association between PA and cataract was significant only in the age groups of 65-69 years and 50-69 years. Conclusions : A significant association between PA and cataract was observed in people aged 15-69 years residing in Spain. Considering the impact on health and quality of life due to reduced PA in people with cataract, at least 600 MET-minutes/week activity should be promoted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalOphthalmic Epidemiology
Early online date18 Feb 2020
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 18 Feb 2020

Keywords

  • Cataract
  • diabetic eye disease
  • observational study
  • physical activity

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