Prevalence of refractive error among school children in the Cape Coast Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Uncorrected refractive errors continue to remain a public health problem among different population groups. Among school children, it has a considerable impact on learning and academic achievement especially in under-served and under-resourced communities. There is a dearth of information about the magnitude of the problem in Ghana. A school based crosssectional study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and distribution of refractive error among school children in the Cape Coast Municipality of Central Region of Ghana. A total of 1103 school children were enumerated out of which 961 underwent a full eye examination. The children were aged between five and 19 years (mean = 10.5 ± 3.4 years, 95% confidence interval [

Epidemiology of ocular disorders and visual impairment among school pupils in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

“…This study also revealed that among the 37 children who needed glasses, only 7 (18.9%) children were found wearing them. In the other two studies, spectacle use was found in 3 (out of 79 who needed correction) and 6 (against 245 who needed correction), respectively (Ovenseri-Ogbomo & Assien, 2010;Ovenseri-Ogbomo & Omuemu, 2010). This study like the earlier one in the metropolis found that majority of the school children were in the lower socioeconomic status.…”

Prevalence of refractive errors among junior high school students in the Ejisu Juaben municipality of Ghana

“…Multivariable analyses identified sex of child, educa- Refractive error is known to be the main cause of vision impairment (Dandona et al, 2002). A study conducted by Cleg and 2002 Group of Trainee Ophthalmic nurses in four districts in Ghana, reported a refractive error prevalence rate of 3.1% while a population-based study in the Cape Coast Municipality of Ghana stated a prevalence of 25.6% (Ovenseri-Ogbomo and Omuemu, 2010). While a study conducted among school children aged 6 -9 years in Kampala, Uganda, recorded a prevalence of 11.6% (Kawuma and Mayeku, 2002).…”

Perspectives on Child Eye Health among Junior High School Teachers in Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality, Ghana

“…Evidence of correct attitude towards refractive error among teachers was reported in Armond et al [14] even though these teachers had had no orientation on child eye health. Positive attitude towards spectacle wear reported in this study can help fight the negative perceptions and barriers against refractive error correction [26].…”

“…This is not surprising as our study subjects are generally more educated than the general population. Most of the signs and symptoms identified in this study are due to the common ocular conditions (among school children) reported in the country: conjunctivitis and refractive error [25][26][27][28]. Results from the study were indicative of the fact that teachers had the right attitude towards child eye health.…”

“…From the beginning, it can be inferred that these teachers had a fair knowledge of the determinants of optimum eye health and of the practices that would contribute to good visual health. The need for a regular eye checkup advocated for by teachers is a step in the right direction in the fight against childhood blindness as there is low utilization of regular eye examination by the children in the country [10,24,26].…”