Prevalence of Refractive Errors and Intention to Use Prescription Glasses Regularly Among Secondary School Students in Ogijo Community, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of refractive error among secondary school students, as well as their intention to use prescription glasses regularly.Methods: This was a cross-sectional school-based study with a qualitative component. A total of 359 secondary students aged 11-22years, were selected by multistage sampling method from seven schools in Ogijo community, Ogun state, Nigeria. Of the 359 students, 353(98.3%) were examined. The examination included Visual acuity measurement, ocular motility tests, retinoscopy & autorefraction under cycloplegia, and anterior & posterior segment examination. The data collected were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).Results: The prevalence of refractive error was 11.6%, and of the 41 participants who had refractive error, 65.9% were females while 34.1% were males. Myopia was at 5.1%, while hyperopia and astigmatism were 3.7% and 2.8% respectively. Participants had adequate information (`x =16.08 SD±2.29) regarding refractive error and the use of prescription glasses, but revealed a lack of motivation towards prescription glasses use (`x15.8 SD±4.2). Overall, participants expressed good intention to regular prescription glasses use (`x =12.89 SD±3.8).Conclusion: Refractive error among secondary students of Ogijo community, Ogun state, Nigeria is relatively high. The students expressed good intention to use prescription glasses regularly if given, but on certain conditions. A comprehensive school health program that incorporates school eye health promotion should be practiced effectively to address the misconceptions regarding the use of prescription glasses among the teachers, parents and students.
 Keywords: Refractive errors, Adolescents, School health, community health, Health promotion.