Quality of life among Primary Schools Children with Refractive Errors in Menoufia, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Refractive error is the powerlessness of the eye to light into focus on the retina resulting in nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) or astigmatism. Uncorrected refractive error in children is connected with impaired quality of life, increased morbidity, and reduced educational opportunities. Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of refractive errors on the quality of life (QOL) of Primary Schools Children. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 960 ( 6–12 years old) primary school children in the first, second and third grades attended Munshaat Sultan primary school, Menouf district, Menoufia, Egypt from 1st October 2017 to the end of December 2017. The participants were assessed through a questionnaire which includes (socio-demographic data and comprehensive history), general and visual examination. QoL of participants with refractive errors was assessed using semi-structured questionnaire that consisted of 7 items. The reliability of questionnaires was tested using Cronbach’s alpha which was 0.953. Results: Out of 960 students 232 (24.1%) had a significant refractive error of ±0.50 in one or both eyes. There was a highly statistically significant difference between participated children with and without error of refraction regarding socioeconomic status and all parameters of QOL (p-value <0.001). Overall 45.5 % of students with an error of refraction had poor QOL. Conclusion: Screening for refractive errors in primary school children is mandatory to start corrective measures at the early stage, and improve their quality of life.