Adherence of parents to vision screening for school-aged children in Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the adherence of parents to vision screening recommendations for school-aged children. Also, to point out beliefs and barriers that prevent them from screening. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among parents from the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia to assess their adherence to vision screening for school-aged children. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed via social media among the study participants. Results: A total of 1,556 participants answered the questionnaire. Majority were females (73.8%) and residents of Al-Ahsa (70.6%). A great majority of the participants (92.5%) believed that childhood vision examination should be done in preschool. However, more than half of the participants (61.6%) did not take their children for a routine vision exam. Regarding beliefs, 85.4% participants thought that there was a lack of knowledge about the importance of the vision exam, and 68.2% did not think that their community adhered to routine vision exams. When asked about reasons for non-adherence, most participants (85%) had cited long waiting time for vision screening appointments as the main reason for non-adherence. Conclusion: Although majority of the participants understand the importance of vision screening in school-aged children. Most participants did not take their children for vision screening mainly because of difficulties in obtaining screening appointments. Future interventions should focus on improving the accessibility and coverage of vision screening programs directing school-aged children.