Dimakatso Given Mashala

Caregiving for visually impaired individuals imposes substantial psychological, social, and financial burdens. This study examined depressive symptoms among family caregivers in rural Limpopo, South Africa, and their associations with sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 253 informal caregivers (response rate: 85.5%). Data on age, gender, marital status, education, employment, income, and socioeconomic status were collected. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the full 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and associations were analysed using chi-square tests, Cramer’s V, and logistic regression. Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were reported by 29.2% of caregivers, with 28.1% experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms. Male caregivers were less likely to report minimal symptoms (OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.12–0.65). Caregivers aged 50–59 years were more likely to report lower depressive symptoms (OR = 1.3). Unmarried caregivers had higher odds of depressive symptoms compared with married caregivers (OR = 2.3). Education was protective: secondary education was associated with lower odds of severe symptoms, while primary education significantly increased risk (OR = 18.1). Lower-income caregivers tended to report higher depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms among caregivers are influenced by gender, age, marital status, education, and income. Interventions such as psychosocial support, financial assistance, and community-based respite services are essential to reduce caregiver burden.

Background: Owing to aging, the human eye goes through changes, which include the loss of transparency of the crystalline lens, a clear structure inside the eye that is responsible for clarity of vision by focusing light rays onto the retina.

Sociodemographic factors affect how metabolic syndrome (MetS) manifests and progresses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence between MetS and sociodemographic factors among adult participants in the Dikgale HDSS. This was a comprehensive retrospective study where the records of 575 participants were meticulously evaluated. MetS was defined using a joint interim statement (JIS). The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for SPSS, version 25. A chi-square test was used to compare proportions between groups, with Cramer’s V used to assess the strength of association. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between MetS and sociodemographic profiles. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of MetS was 28.2% (females 33.3% vs. males 15.6%, p ≤ 0.001). In addition, logistic regression showed males to have lower odds of MetS as compared to females (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.2–0.6, and AOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.6). The 55–60 age group had the highest proportion of affected individuals, and MetS was also more common among individuals with low educational attainment. In addition, on regression, the same association was observed. This study found sociodemographic disparities in MetS among rural adults, especially females, who had an increased risk of MetS, and participants with low educational attainment.

Background: Dilating the eye with tropicamide may alter the intraocular pressure (IOP) because of an obstruction of the iridocorneal angle, resulting in decreased aqueous outflow drainage. Also, the repeated application of eyedrops and instrumentation could lead to increased central corneal thickness (CCT), consequently affecting IOP. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of 1% tropicamide on CCT and IOP post-mydriasis among the University of Limpopo optometry students. Setting: The data were collected at the optometry clinic of the University of Limpopo. Methods: A within-subject experimental study was conducted on 59 healthy subjects aged 18 years – 28 years. A computer assisted simple random probability sampling was used to identify a sample of participants from the study population (N = 200). Baseline and post-mydriasis IOP (20 min, 30 min, and 45 min intervals) were measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer. Central corneal thickness and IOP were analysed using means, correlations and paired t-tests. Results: The mean CCT pre-mydriasis was 504.68 μm, and post-dilation was 507.90 μm, 510.08 μm and 509.25 μm at 20 min, 30 min, and 45 min, P = 026, p = 0.033, P = 0.004, respectively. Moreover, the mean IOP pre-mydriasis was 15.97 mmHg, and post-dilation was 16.85 mmHg, 16.46 mmHg and 16.85 mmHg over 20 min, 30 min, and 45 min of followed-up time, p = 0.140, p = 0.432, and p = 0.183, respectively. Conclusion: Measuring IOP post-dilation is still valid; however, CCT should be measured before the instillation of tropicamide. Contribution: This study analysed the effect of 1% tropicamide on CCT and IOP post-mydriasis in a clinical South African context.

Inactive ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is not confined to immunocompromised patients but is also common in immunocompetent patients. It could result in a loss of vision, asteroid hyalosis, lenticular opacity and peripheral chorioretinal scar. More often than not, misdiagnosing the lesion may occur because of the lack of presenting symptoms. Therefore, this article aims to highlight OT and its consequences, emphasising the approach that must be followed to diagnose and manage the disease optimally. This case report is about a 24-year-old woman who had blurred vision in her left eye from the age of 9 years. After dilation for fundus examination and taking the patient for retinal imaging, the fundus showed a clearly defined pigmented chorioretinal scar on the temporal side of the macula.Contribution: As the disease has the ability for retinal complications, documenting any progressive developments of the disease is essential to manage the patient better.