British Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume 99, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 762-767

Migration study of lens opacities in Bangladeshi adults in London and Bangladesh: A pilot study (Article)

Finger R.P. , Sivasubramaniam S. , Morjaria P. , Bansal A. , Muhit M. , Kinra S. , Gilbert C.E.*
  • a Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany, Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
  • b International Center for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
  • c International Center for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
  • d Stepney Health Centre, London, United Kingdom
  • e University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • f Department of Noncommunicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
  • g International Center for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background Lens opacities (LO) occur at an earlier age and have a higher prevalence in developing countries. In this pilot study, we assessed the feasibility and practical challenges of conducting a migration study, testing the hypothesis that migration from Bangladesh to the UK decreases the amount of LO on account of less exposure to adverse environmental factors. Methods The sample, which was selected from East London, UK and in Bangladesh, underwent detailed examination and lens grading by the same certified grader using Lens Opacification Classification System III. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Considerable difficulties were encountered in recruiting the sample in both locations. 372 Bangladeshis aged 40-70 years were examined: 131 in London and 241 in Bangladesh. Having never migrated from Bangladesh was an independent risk factor for opacities (OR 7.6; 95% CI 3.6 to 15.9; p=0.001) as were age (OR 7.1; 95% CI 4.0 to 12.7; p=0.001) and diabetes (OR 2.5; 95% 1.0 to 6.0; p=0.04). The odds of LO were lower among those who had lived in the UK for a higher proportion of their life (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99; p=0.01), but this was not significant after adjusting for age and diabetes (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.01; p=0.16). Discussion The study highlights the challenges of migration studies, and of studies involving ethnic minorities. Preliminary findings suggest that migration to the UK is protective for LO despite a significantly higher rate of diabetes in the UK. A larger study is warranted based on these preliminary findings.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

urban population London human epidemiology middle aged Asian continental ancestry group statistics and numerical data diabetes mellitus rural population priority journal probability Aged ethnology Humans classification male urban rural difference environmental factor female prediction pilot study risk factor Risk Factors environmental exposure prevalence Article feasibility study major clinical study adult migration United Kingdom age distribution Bangladeshi Emigration and Immigration Bangladesh cataract Pilot Projects

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84930376534&doi=10.1136%2fbjophthalmol-2014-305971&partnerID=40&md5=ec037716bda4071091d1935e320e5c62

DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-305971
ISSN: 00071161
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English