THE REPRESENTATION OF CONJUCTIVITIS IN SHTIP

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine whether gender and age influence the development of conjunctivitis, as well as to identify the months of the year in which the condition is most prevalent. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the anterior part of the eyeball. Based on its etiology, conjunctivitis may be bacterial, viral, fungal, or allergic. Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. The most common symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis include a sensation of grittiness, a foreign body feeling, and purulent discharge. Viral conjunctivitis is characterized by serous discharge, eyelid edema, and photophobia. Allergic conjunctivitis typically presents with redness, intense itching, and tearing. Diagnosis is most commonly based on clinical presentation and eye swab tests. Treatment differs depending on the etiology: bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic drops or ointments; viral conjunctivitis with artificial tears and corticosteroid drops; allergic conjunctivitis with artificial tears and antihistamines; and fungal conjunctivitis with antifungal eye drops. Data were collected at the Clinical Hospital in Shtip, North Macedonia, indicating a total of 463 conjunctivitis cases in 2024 on the territory of Shtip. Based on gender, 227 of the cases were male (49%) and 236 were female (51%). Participants were categorized into three age groups: under 40 years, 40 to 60 years, and over 60 years. In the first age group under 40 years, a total of 147 (32%) cases were excluded. In the second age group 40 to 60 years, a total of 112 (24%) cases were excluded. In the third age group over 60 years, a total of 204 (44%) cases were excluded. According to the prevalence of conjunctivitis by month: In January, there were a total of 35 patients, or 7.5%; In February, there were a total of 73 patients, or 16%; In March, there were a total of 60 patients, or 13%; In April, there were a total of 39 patients, or 8.4%; In May, there were a total of 36 patients, or 7.8%; In June, there were a total of 40 patients. Or 8.6%; In July, there were a total of 33 patients, or 7.1%; In August, there were a total of 33 patients, or 7.1%; In September, there were a total of 24 patients, or 5.1%; In October, there were a total of 26 patients, or 5.6%; In November, there were a total of 34 patients, or 7.4%. In December, there were a total of 30 patients, or 6.4%. These findings suggest no significant difference in incidence based on gender. However, the elderly population (over 60) was the most affected age group, and conjunctivitis was most common during the early months of the year.