Table 1 Potential explanatory variables investigated
Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
Number of fixed facilities/million population | We examined this variable in 2 different ways: first as a categorical variable: between 0 and 1; between 1 and 2; 2 or more. We also examined it as a dichotomous variable: no facilities; any facilities. |
Presence of a dedicated eye theatre in at least one of the facilities | Dichotomous variable: Yes; No. |
Number of surgeons/year/million population | To calculate number of surgeons, all surgeons stationed full time in the district during the 5 years were included; their contribution was weighted by the number of years (or fraction) they were there and this was averaged over 5 years. |
Presence of functioning biometry in at least one facility | Dichotomous variable: Yes; No. |
Surgical outreach: did any take place within the district? | Dichotomous variable: Yes; No. |
Was there a manager for the site? | Dichotomous variable: Yes; No. |
Was there an NGO hospital in the district? | Dichotomous variable: Yes; No. |
Was there an eye NGO supporting activities within the district? | Dichotomous variable: Yes; No. |
GDP per capita | Gross domestic product per capita in US$ by country for closest year of survey [16] |
Health expenditure per capita | Health expenditure per capita in US$ by country for closest year of survey [17] |
Population density | District population/district area in square meters |