Prevalence of uncorrected/untreated visual impairments among commercial motorcyclists (bodabodas) in Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract

The study to establish the prevalence of uncorrected/untreated visual impairments among Boda Boda Riders in Kampala was conducted throughout the five divisions of Kampala. The study targeted active Boda Boda riders at selected official stages in each of the five divisions who were asked a few questions and subjected to Visual tests to determine how clear their vision is (visual acuity), how wide their field of vision is (Visual fields), how well they are able to perceive differences in colors (color vision) and how well they are able to perceive small depths (stereopsis). The investigators also observed the eyes for obvious pathologies or defects. It was found that that: 86.91% of Boda Boda riders do not have licenses to operate as Boda Boda riders; only 10% of Boda Boda riders subject themselves to an eye examination prior to acquiring licenses; the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error among Boda Boda riders is 6.02%; prevalence of stereopsis defect among Boda Boda riders is 2.1%; prevalence of visual field defects among Boda Boda riders is 0.26%; prevalence of color vision defects among Boda Boda riders in Kampala is 1.57%; 90% of Boda Boda riders in Kampala do not use protective goggles; and, 55.6% of Boda Boda related Road Traffic Accidents are attributable to vision challenges. Of the vision related accidents, 37% are due to the intolerance of bright lights from oncoming vehicles. Results from this study may provide a basis to enforce use of protective goggles and mandatory eye tests and interventions amongst all motorcycle riders and reduce Boda Boda road traffic accidents associated with visual impairment in Uganda. They may also provide a basis for streamlining the entire regulation of the Boda Boda industry.