Research

Environmental Risk Factors for refractive error among Egyptian schoolchildren

  • This study evaluated the preventable environmental risk factors of refractive error (RE) among 1292 Egyptian schoolchildren aged 7-15 years, chosen from 12 schools using multistage random sampling.

  • A questionnaire was completed, covering personal, medical, social and environmental data.

  • Statistical analysis revealed that living in an area with many sources of environmental pollution, age, sex, family history of RE, socioeconomic status, ocular problems, school level and amount of near-work (hours/day) were significantly associated with RE.

  • Logistic regression, after adjustment for sex, found that school level, near-work, socioeconomic status and family history were associated with RE.

  • The main recommendation of this study is to control for environmental risk factors through early detection of cases of RE, especially among students with a family history and high levels of academic achievement.

  • Proper management is needed for students with RE, including correction of visual acuity and controlling hours of near-work per day to minimize the progress of the condition.

Publication date

April 1, 2019

Publication

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal

Authors

Saad A, El-Bayoumy BM.
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