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Visual Difficulty and Employment Status in the World

Author

Listed:
  • Hanen Harrabi
  • Marie-Josee Aubin
  • Maria Victoria Zunzunegui
  • Slim Haddad
  • Ellen E Freeman

Abstract

Purpose: Using a world-wide, population-based dataset, we sought to examine the relationship between visual difficulty and employment status. Methods: The World Health Survey was conducted in 70 countries throughout the world in 2003 using a random, multi-stage, stratified, cluster sampling design. Far vision was assessed by asking about the level of difficulty in seeing and recognizing a person you know across the road (i.e. from a distance of about 20 meters). Responses included none, mild, moderate, severe, or extreme/unable. Participants were asked about their current job, and if they were not working, the reason why (unable to find job, ill health, homemaker, studies, unpaid work, other). The occupation in the last 12 months was obtained. Multinomial regression was used accounting for the complex survey design. Results: Of those who wanted to work, 79% of those with severe visual difficulty and 64% of those with extreme visual difficulty were actually working. People who had moderate, severe, or extreme visual difficulty had a higher odds of not working due to an inability to find a job and of not working due to ill health after adjusting for demographic and health factors (P

Suggested Citation

  • Hanen Harrabi & Marie-Josee Aubin & Maria Victoria Zunzunegui & Slim Haddad & Ellen E Freeman, 2014. "Visual Difficulty and Employment Status in the World," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(2), pages 1-6, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0088306
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Ryskulova, A. & Turczyn, K. & Makuc, D.M. & Cotch, M.F. & Klein, R.J. & Janiszewski, R., 2008. "Self-reported age-related eye diseases and visual impairment in the United States: Results of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(3), pages 454-461.
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