Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of School-Aged Children Towards Spectacle Use in Delta State, Nigeria.

Background: Visual impairment is a global public health concern in the younger population. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perception of school-aged children in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria towards spectacle use. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among school-aged chi...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Optometry & Visual Performance Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 244 - 251
Autores principales: Imasua, Kelvin Ucheka, Omuemu, Vivian Ossaidiom
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Optometric Extension Program Dec2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Visual impairment is a global public health concern in the younger population. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perception of school-aged children in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria towards spectacle use. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among school-aged children in Agbor, Delta State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 822 school children. Data were collected through a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire that gathered socio-demographic information and ocular history, as well as assessments of knowledge about refractive errors, attitudes toward spectacles, and practices regarding spectacle use. Results: A total of 822 schoolchildren participated in this study. The participants consisted of 364 (44.3%) males and 458 (55.7%) females, aged 5 to 17 years, with a mean age (SD) of 10.05 (3.05) years. Only 230 children had heard of the term 'refractive error,' among whom 22 children (9.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of refractive errors, while 208 children (90.4%) had poor knowledge. 792 (96.4%) schoolchildren had a positive attitude to spectacle use, while thirty (3.6%) schoolchildren had a negative attitude to spectacle use. Among 36 children wearing spectacles, only 6 children (16.7%) exhibited adequate practices regarding spectacle use, whereas 30 children (83.3%) showed inadequate practices. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the overall knowledge of refractive errors among schoolchildren was limited, and the practice of spectacle use was insufficient. Based on these results, it is recommended that the Delta State Government enhance the implementation of the school health program to promote greater awareness of eye care and the importance of spectacle use among students.