Impact of meibomian gland dysfunction on quality of life and mental health in a clinical sample in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the impact of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) on quality of life and psychosomatic conditions. DESIGN: This was a clinic-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: This study was conducted at the eye clinic of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. PARTICIPANTS: 215 clinical subjects visiting the clinic for a comprehensive eye examination. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptomatic MGD, asymptomatic MGD, quality of life scores, depression, anxiety and stress. RESULTS: 215 clinical subjects consented to participate in the study, but 212 were included in the analysis. The mean age was 21.9 (± 3.8) years, 54 had MGD and 158 did not have MGD served as controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean quality of life scores between subjects with MGD and subjects without MGD (t=1.57, p=0.12). The quality of life scores (DEQS) (p=0.022) were significantly higher in the symptomatic MGD group compared with the asymptomatic MGD group. There was no significant difference in quality of life scores (DEQS) (p=0.251) in the asymptomatic MGD group compared with healthy controls. Using Pillai’s trace in the MANOVA, there was a significant effect of MGD on depression, anxiety and stress (V=0.05, F(3,208)=3.76, p=0.012). Furthermore, Pillai’s trace in the MANOVA showed a significant difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic MGDs for depression, anxiety and stress scores stress (V=0.24, F(3, 51)=5.24, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The study revealed no difference in the quality of life scores between MGD and non-MGD groups. However, the symptomatic MGD group had worse quality of life and psychosomatic symptoms than the asymptomatic MGD group and non-MGD group.