Barriers and Perception Towards Spectacle Wear among a Student Population of University of Buraimi, Oman.

Abstract

ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the barriers and perceptions towards spectacle wear among the student population of the University of Buraimi, Oman.MethodsA descriptive, questionnaire-based and cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2017 and May 2018. Ophthalmic examination and a standard spectacle prescription protocol were used to identify those with inappropriate spectacle coverage. A self-designed and expert validated English-language questionnaire was utilised. A chi-square test was used to assess the association between the participants’ types of perceptions and sociodemographic and refractive error-related profiles.ResultsIn total, 275 students participated in the study (response rate: 17.19%) and 170 (61.8%) were having inappropriate spectacle correction. Only 26% of them used spectacles since the majority (73.5%) had never had their eyes examined before this study. Most perceived spectacle wear positively (53.5%), followed by some having negative (36.5%) or neutral (10.0%) perceptions. Those from a health science background including Nursing and Optometry had a higher positive perception towards spectacle wear than others (P = 0.012). The difference in the perception scores between myopic and hypermetropic refractive error groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.882).ConclusionThe majority of the participants had had inappropriate vision corrections with spectacles and not undergone any prior ocular examinations. Few wore spectacles; however, these were inappropriate given their current refractive status. The reasons for spectacle non-wear were that either new spectacles had been ordered or spectacles were lost or broken. It is recommended that the school eye health initiative be extended to the university level. A holistic eye-health promotional approach toward integrating students, teachers and parents into this initiative can improve spectacle wear within the studied population.