Prevalence and Predictors of Ocular morbidity among Primary School Children of Urban Kerala
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Data on eye diseases among primary school children is scarce. One third of India’s blind lose their eyesight before the age of 20 years and many of them are under 5 when they become blind. So, early detection and treatment of ocular morbidity among children is important. Aim: To estimate the prevalence & factors associated with ocular morbidity among primary school children of age 4-12 years. Settings: Government, Government aided & Private coeducational schools in an urban area of Parur municipality in Ernakulam district of Kerala state in India. Design: School based Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: The co-educational schools were selected by stratified random sampling & 1100 school children studying in primary classes were examined from July 2011-December 2012. Statistical analysis: The data was tabulated by using MS EXCEL and analysed using SPSS 11 version. Qualitative variables were summarized using percentage, proportion and association of various factors with ocular morbidity was assessed using Chi square test. The strength of association was quantified using the Odds Ratio with 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Prevalence of ocular morbidity in primary school children is 17.8% (95% Confidence Interval 15.1- 20.1). Among this, 49.2 % of children had refractive error. The predictors of ocular morbidity were difficulty in seeing black board, difficulty in reading books, mothers using glasses, the television viewing distance and being a boy. The predictors for refractive error were the higher age groups, children who had low birth weight & children studying in private schools, Conclusion: A high prevalence of ocular morbidity among primary school children was observed. The leading cause of ocular morbidity was refractive error. Awareness of the factors that causes ocular morbidity can enable us to predict the chances for developing ocular disorders among school going children. Methods for early detection of the ocular morbidities by regular eye screening programmes and prompt treatment can prevent future complications and childhood blindness.
Authors and Affiliations
Ann Mary Thomas, Alexander John, Leelamoni K, Natasha Radhakrishnan, Swati Patki, Harsha Ms
Keywords
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