Knowledge of routine eye examination in children and associated factors: A parents’ perspective

Abstract

Background: Routine eye examinations form part of the scope of the health care plan for children to prevent avoidable causes of blindness. This study assessed parents' knowledge of routine eye exam in school children in Evbuomore community and how this affects access to eye examinations. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of 380 participants in Evbomore community in Edo State. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: Atotal of 308 parents with a mean age of 37.4 ±6.1 years participated in this survey. There was poor awareness 46.3% and knowledge 57.9% of routine eye examination in children. Religion (p=0.02), skill level (p<0.01), level of education and monthly income (p<0.01) positively influenced knowledge.

Conclusion: The knowledge of parents regarding routine eye examination in children was poor. Increasing household income, socio-economic status and higher skill levels were significant determinants of good knowledge. These factors can be harnessed by stakeholders in the planning and implementation of health education programs for parents in order to improve knowledge of routine
eye examination in children.