Clinicodemographic Profile and Socioeconomic Status of Patients with Chronic Dacryocystitis: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic dacryocystitis is a common disorder of the lacrimal drainage system resulting from nasolacrimal duct obstruction, leading to persistent epiphora, recurrent infection, and ocular morbidity. Demographic, occupational, and socioeconomic factors may influence its occurrence and healthcare-seeking behavior. This study evaluated the demographic profile, occupational characteristics, and socioeconomic status of patients with chronic dacryocystitis attending a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital, Bhopal. A total of 200 clinically diagnosed patients with chronic dacryocystitis were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. Demographic details, occupation, clinical history, and socioeconomic status were recorded using the Modified B.G. Prasad classification. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, including slit-lamp examination, regurgitation on pressure over the lacrimal sac (ROPLAS) test, and lacrimal sac syringing. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 200 patients, the highest proportion belonged to the 51–60 years age group (27.0%), followed by 61–70 years (25.0%). Females accounted for 64.0% of cases, yielding a female-to-male ratio of approximately 1.8:1. Right eye involvement was observed in 54.0% of patients. Homemakers (27.5%) represented the largest occupational group, followed by private service employees (20.0%). Most patients belonged to Modified B.G. Prasad socioeconomic Class II (38.0%) and Class III (35.0%). A statistically significant association was found between occupation and socioeconomic status (p<0.001). Conclusion: Chronic dacryocystitis predominantly affected middle-aged and elderly women, with most patients belonging to middle socioeconomic classes. Occupation was significantly associated with socioeconomic status. Early diagnosis, timely intervention, and improved public awareness may reduce disease-related morbidity and enhance patients' quality of life.

Keywords: Chronic dacryocystitis, Epiphora, Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, Modified B.G. Prasad classification, Socioeconomic status, Occupation.