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

• Published in: Ophthalmic epidemiology 2020-07, Vol.27 (4), p.272-277
• Main Authors: López-Sánchez, Guillermo F., Pardhan, Shahina, Trott, Mike, Sánchez-Castillo, Sheila, Jackson, Sarah E, Tully, Mark, Gorely, Trish, López-Bueno, Rubén, Veronese, Nicola, Skalska, Maria, Jastrzębska, Joanna, Jastrzębski, Zbigniew, Smith, Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Alcohol Drinking - epidemiology; Body Mass Index; Cataract; Cataract - diagnosis; Cataract - epidemiology; Cataract - physiopathology; Cross-Sectional Studies; diabetic eye disease; Educational Status; Exercise - physiology; Exercise - psychology; Female; Health Surveys - methods; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; observational study; physical activity; Prevalence; Quality of Life - psychology; Self Report; Smoking - epidemiology; Spain - epidemiology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0928-6586; 1744-5086
• DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2020.1730911

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. 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. 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. 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.