PREVALENCE OF REFRACTIVE ERRORS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to determine the prevalence of refractive errors and associated factors among primary school students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary school in Kuala Lumpur. Visual screening was conducted by using the simplified logMAR chart and autorefractor on all 362 consenting students. Demographic data and details of associated factors collected by self-administered questionnaire from the parents. Results: The prevalence of refractive errors was 63.5%, with myopic astigmatism (53.0%) was the commonest type of refractive errors, followed by myopia and astigmatism both constituting at 22.2% each, and only 2.6% of the refractive errors were of hyperopic astigmatism. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that genetic factors, age group, outdoor activities under sunlight and sleeping duration were significantly associated with refractive errors. Conclusion: Prevalence of refractive errors was high among primary school students in Kuala Lumpur, modifiable factors should be emphasized, students should be encouraged to go for outdoor activities more often and practise good sleep hygiene. Parents should utilize the knowledge on eye health and educate their children to practice good eye care.