Prevalence of myopia among primary and secondary school students and its influencing factors in Xinjiang, China: a cross sectional study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To understand the prevalence of myopia and its influencing factors among primary and secondary school students in Shihezi City to provide a scientific basis for future interventions for improving, safeguarding and promoting the visual health of primary and secondary school students. METHODS The population comprised primary and secondary school students in Shihezi City. A stratified random sampling method was used to determine the research school, which was then stratified by grade. Two classes were randomly selected as sample classes for each grade. All students received a vision examination. Students of grade ≥ 4 completed the investigation of myopia-related influencing factors using questionnaires. RESULTS A total of 6732 people were surveyed in this study, and 6092 people were finally included (participation rate: 90.49%), of which boys represented 51.10%. The overall prevalence of myopia was 59.55%. The prevalence of myopia in urban areas was 68.17%, while in rural areas was 42.42%, and the difference was statistically significant. Being female students, having myopic parents, close-distance reading or writing, and receiving education at an older age were risk factors for myopia, while attending school in a rural area was a protective factor against myopia. Additionally, factors influencing myopia varied among subgroups, but parental myopia appeared in almost every subgroup. CONCLUSION Myopia rates in Shihezi City are higher than the national average and gradually increase with school age. In addition to inherent factors (gender, increasing school age and genetic factors), myopia prevention should include proper sitting, eye habits and health promotion.