Refractive errors in children aged 6 to 8 years and associated factors. Cross-sectional analytical study

Abstract

Refractive errors (RE) have been of global interest because they are considered the most common ocular problem in all age groups. Recognizing its multifactorial character is vital to respond through prevention, diagnosis and timely treatment programs. Objective: To analyze the correlation between sociodemographic, nutritional, psychological and lifestyle factors with refractive errors in children. Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 149 children aged 6 to 8 years. Optometric assessment under cycloplegia, anthropometry and application of questionnaires regarding sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles and personality. Results: The prevalence of hyperopia was 33.5% and of astigmatism 18.7%, with an increase in the latter directly proportional to age. Children with hyperopia showed socially disadvantaged conditions (52%). No statistically significant differences were observed regarding nutritional status, but there was a correlation with the consumption of foods such as sugars and dairy products (p = 0.030 and p = 0.017, respectively). Risk factors such as exposure to tobacco or alcohol consumption were identified in 14.1% of emmetropic children. Hyperopic children showed lower capacities regarding statistically significant safety and doubt scales (p = 0.017) compared to emmetropic and hyperopic children. Conclusion: Children with hyperopia showed more risk factors related to lifestyle and personality traits.The growing tendency of astigmatism in our study population should drive early intervention measures to reduce its impact on the school context. Longitudinal studies are suggested that include modifiable behavior patterns to evaluate statistical significance.