Uptake of Myopia Control Strategies and Its Demographic Profile amongst Teenagers and Eyecare Practitioners of Lurambi Constituency, Kenya

Abstract

The growing prevalence of myopia has become a public health concern. As of 2020, myopia affected 2.6 billion individuals globally, and it is projected that by 2050, almost half of the world's population will be affected by myopia. Therefore, there is a need for sensitization of the populations on the available strategies for myopia and proper utilization of these strategies to reduce its progression. The study employed an analytical cross-sectional research design. Eye clinics in Lurambi Constituency and participants at the clinic level were selected purposefully, whereas all teenagers and eyecare practitioners (ECPs) were enrolled in the study by census. A self-administered questionnaire, containing questions on the demographic profile of teenagers and ECPs, was used to collect data. Once ethical clearance from MMUST IERC, NACOSTI, and permission from all eye clinics in Lurambi Constituency were obtained, the data collection process began. A total of 115 teenagers and 22 ECPs participated in the study. The uptake of myopia control strategies among teenagers was at 55.7%, while the uptake of effective myopia control strategies among ECPs was reported at 86.36%, with the uptake of single vision spectacles being the most at 70.3% among teenagers. Among teenagers, the uptake was higher among males at 51.6%, those attending public clinics at 73.9%, teenagers aged 19 years at 42.2%, and those in the upper secondary at 51.7%. Among 22 ECPs, the greatest uptake was male at 73.7%, those aged 18-30 years at 42.2%, and those with less than 5 years of experience at 40.9%, and optometry technologists and optometrists at 36.8% each. Uptake was equally distributed between those in private and public clinics at 50% each. The uptake of myopia control strategies among teenagers and the uptake of effective myopia control strategies among ECPs were relatively high. The uptake was high in males of both teenagers and ECPs. A study on the uptake of MCS and its demographic profile should be conducted, covering a larger of Kenya.