2026-2027 Faculty Research Grants

Dovison Kereri (Rehabilitation Sciences). 

Occupational and Environmental Determinants of Cataract among Rice Farmers in Kihurio Village, Tanzania: A Pilot Occupational Health Case Study.

This study examines how occupational and environmental conditions in a paddy-farming community influence cataract and related visual impairment. Paddy rice farmers in Kihurio, Tanzania, experience multiple ocular hazards including ultraviolet light exposure, dust, microbial contamination, trauma, and pesticides, which may contribute to cataract development, ocular trauma, and corneal disease. Cataract is a leading cause of blindness globally and accounts for approximately 22% of bilateral blindness in Tanzania. During a mission-driven visit to Kihurio by a team from Andrews University, uncorrected visual impairment emerged as a major concern, and many individuals were also observed to have cataract, highlighting the need for systematic investigation. Guided by the PRECEDE–PROCEED health promotion model, this cross-sectional study will assess adult paddy farmers attending a health fair during mission trips. Participants will be recruited through local churches, community gatherings, and the marketplace. They will undergo standardized eye examinations to determine presence and type of cataract. Data analysis will use t tests and ANOVA to compare cataract status across demographic groups, and logistic regression to evaluate associations between cataract and key exposures, including duration of ultraviolet light exposure, occupational water contact, cigarette smoking, biomass smoke exposure, and comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Findings will inform both surgical service planning and preventive strategies to reduce cataract risk and improve occupational performance among paddy farmers in this underserved community.