EC Ophthalmology

Cross Sectional Study Volume 15 Issue 7 - 2024

Prevalence of Refractive Errors in Urban and Rural School Children in Ethiopia - A Comparative Survey

Sadik Taju Sherief1*, Bethelhem Sileshi1 and Samson Tesfaye2

1Department of Ophthalmology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2Orbis International Ethiopia, Ethiopia

*Corresponding Author: Sadik Taju Sherief, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Received: June 04, 2024; Published: June 27, 2024




Background: Uncorrected refractive error is an important cause of childhood visual impairment. Prevalence and risk factors in refractive error among urban and rural students are unclear in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for refractive errors in schoolchildren in urban and rural settings in Ethiopia. 

Methods and Analysis: A school based cross-sectional survey using multi-stage randomization technique. Six to sixteen-year-old school children from elementary schools from a rural area and urban area in Ethiopia were included. All children underwent a comprehensive questionnaire and eye examination.

Results: A total of 1,114 children aged 6 - 18 years were included; 6.9% of them had visual impairment, with uncorrected refractive errors accounting for 90% of cases. The prevalence of refractive error in urban settings was 10.2% and 4.5% in rural settings (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.46 - 3.9, P < 0.001). The prevalence of myopia was more common in urban students than rural ones (7.2% vs. 1.2%; OR 6.10, 955 CI 2.58 - 14.43, P < 0.00001). Myopia was significantly associated with females, older children, children from urban schools, and children spending prolonged hours of near-work activity. Most children who had refractive error during examination and needed spectacles did not have the necessary spectacles.

Conclusion: Visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error is a public health problem among school-age children in Ethiopia. Routine and effective school eye health strategies are required to eliminate this treatable cause of visual impairment.

 Keywords: Prevalence; Refractive Error; Risk Factors; School Eye Heath; Urban-Rural Disparity; Visual Impairment

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Sadik Taju Sherief., et al. "Prevalence of Refractive Errors in Urban and Rural School Children in Ethiopia - A Comparative Survey." EC Ophthalmology 15.7 (2024): 01-13.

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