A cross-sectional analysis of refractive error prevalence and associated factors among elementary school children in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Autor: Kindie Desta Alem, Elias Abera Gebru
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of International Medical Research, Vol 49 (2021)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1473-2300
03000605
DOI: 10.1177/0300060521998894
Popis: Objective This study assessed the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and its associated factors among elementary school children in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Methods In this school-based cross-sectional study, a random selection technique with proportional allocation was used to ensure a representative sample of students. Survey questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic, environmental, and family history data. Clinical examinations were performed to assess RE and ocular health. Associations between dependent and independent variables were computed using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Overall, 529 children participated in this study, with a response rate of 95.5% (529/554). Most participants were aged ≥12 years (337 [63.7%]), in grade levels 5 to 8 (307 [58%]), and attended public schools (366 [69.2%]). RE prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI: 10.0–16.1). Higher grade level (AOR=3.18, 95% CI: 1.68–5.97), positive family history of RE (AOR=3.69, 95% CI: 1.57–8.67), lack of paternal formal education (AOR=3.25, 95% CI: 1.20–8.77), and public school attendance (AOR=3.33, 95% CI: 1.52–7.27) were factors significantly associated with RE. Conclusions RE prevalence among elementary school children in Hawassa was higher than in previous reports. Grade level, family history, paternal education level, and school type significantly influenced RE status.
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