Ocular morbidity among Senior high school students in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that the majority of nonblinding eye diseases may be of significant burden to the population and health system of developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidities among senior high school students and their association with age and sex in public senior high schools in the Kumasi metropolis. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Six hundred and sixty-two students, with ages ranging from 14 to 20 years, from 12 randomly selected schools were examined and included in the study. The detailed examination included visual acuity measurement, external examination with a pen torch, ophthalmoscopy, +1 blur test, cover test, and subjective refraction. RESULTS: Out of 662 students examined, 90% suffered at least one ocular condition. The most common morbidity was allergy (31.1%), followed by allergic conjunctivitis (22.2%), refractive error (10.0%), dry eye (6.9%), suspicious disc (3.6%), bacterial conjunctivitis (2.9%), foreign body (2.7%), glaucoma suspect (1.4%), and papillitis (0.5%). More females suffered ocular problems than males. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ocular morbidity among senior high school students in the metropolis is high, with allergies being the most common. Eye health education, regular eye examination, and adequate classroom illumination should be implemented in senior high schools.