The Psychosocial and Economic Impact of Uveitis in Iraq

 Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the pigmented layer that lies between the inner retina and the outer fibrous layer composed of the sclera and cornea. This study is aimed to know the psychosocial and economic impacts of uveitis in Iraq.

 For this Cross-sectional study, 100 surveys were conducted in patients with uveitis. Demographic data and socioeconomic status were recorded. Symptoms, time to diagnosis, treatment, behavior, attitudes, and feelings towards the disease were identified. Data were analyzed using statistical programs. p < 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant.

For conducted 100 surveys, mean age was 45 ± 17.08 years, socioeconomic level ≤ D in 61%, and 54 patients were women. The diagnosis was made at 1.87 ± 2.73 years. They attend an annual appointment for 2.1 ± 2.14 months, more than 1 at emergency room, and hospitalized for 3 to 7 days. They used systemic treatment with steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (53%), immunosuppressants (31%), biological therapy (7%), and topical treatment with lubricants (44%), steroids (26%) and surgery (39%). Observed comorbidities included: arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, and nonspecific chronic ulcerative colitis. Complications included visual impairment, cataracts and blindness. Uveitis affected life in 83% of cases, 41% daily, and 49% need care from another person. 79% receive private care, 43% have social security, spending monthly 3,590 ± 2,730.65 pesos on medicines, transportation, medical consultations and studies. These are added with annually absence from work of 8.5 ± 14.56 days, plus 7.0 days of disability or hospitalization. 51% report lack of support to learn about the disease.

 This is the first national study that portrays the condition of patients with uveitis and the shortcomings they go through, including the economic and biopsychosocial field. The study elucidates various needs of uveitis patients that could be considered by govrenments. More studies with more study population is recommended to better decision making for needs of uveitis patients.