Quality of life among Primary Schools Children with Refractive Errors in Menoufia, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Refractive error is the powerlessness of the eye to light into focus on the retina resulting in nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) or astigmatism. Uncorrected refractive error in children is connected with impaired quality of life, increased morbidity and reduced educational opportunities. Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of refractive errors on the quality of life (QOL) of Primary Schools Children. Methods: This cross section study was conducted on 960 (6-12 years old) primary school children in the first, second and third grades attended Munshaat Sultan primary school , Menouf district, Menoufia, Egypt from 1st October 2016 to the end of December 2016. The participants were assessed through a questionnaire which includes (socio-demographic data and comprehensive history), general and visual examination. QOL of participants with refractive errors was assessed using semi structured questionnaire that consisted of 7 items .The reliability of questionnaires was tested using Cronbach's alpha which was 0.953. Results: Out of 960 students 232 (24.1%) had a significant refractive error of ±0.50 in one or both eyes. There was a highly statistically significant difference between participated children with and without error of refraction regarding socioeconomic status and all parameters of QOL (p value <0.001). Overall 45.5 % of students with error of refraction had poor QOL. Conclusion: Screening for refractive errors in primary school children is mandatory to start corrective measures at the early stage, and improve their quality of life. Introduction: Refractive errors are the most common ocular problem affecting all age groups especially among school-age children. They are considered a public health challenge. (1) The WHO reports indicate that refractive errors are the first cause of visual impairment and the second cause of visual loss worldwide as 43% of visual impairments are attributed to refractive errors. (2,3) The prevalence of error of refraction is increasing worldwide especially in children due to misuse of electronic devices. It is estimated to be 70-90% in some Asian countries (4) , 50% in England, (5) 25% in North America and in Iran is estimated to be 21 %. (6) In addition to nationality sex and race affect the chance and prevalence of error of refraction. It is higher in females than males and in whites than black race. (7) In Egypt 2007 A survey conducted in Cairo governorate among 5839 Egyptian school children aged 7-15 years found that the prevalence of refractive errors (visual acuity ≤ 6/12) was 22.1%. (8) Also a preliminary national survey done in the Helwan area of Cairo reported that 34% of the recorded disabilities were visual disability (9). In 2015 study conducted in Menouf district,