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A study of ocular infections amongst primary school children in Delhi
Rajesh Kumar1, M Mehra, Pratibha Dabas
1Deptt. of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi.
Insights
This study found that 11.74% of Delhi primary school children have ocular infections, with conjunctivitis being most common. Prevalence was similar across genders and areas, but increased with age.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Ocular infections pose a significant health burden, particularly in school-aged children.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of eye infections in urban and rural settings is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and types of ocular infections among primary school children in Delhi.
- To investigate the association of ocular infections with age, sex, geographic area (urban slum vs. rural), religion, and per capita income.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 775 primary school children in four schools (two urban, two rural) in Delhi.
- Data collection included interviews, clinical examinations, and parental questionnaires.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and associations.
Main Results:
- Overall, 11.74% of children (91 out of 775) had ocular infections.
- Conjunctivitis was the most prevalent infection, followed by trachoma, stye, blepharitis, and chalazion.
- Infection prevalence was similar between sexes and urban/rural areas, but significantly increased with age. A significant association was noted with religion, but not per capita income.
Conclusions:
- Ocular infections are a notable issue among primary school children in Delhi.
- Age is a significant risk factor, highlighting the need for age-specific preventive strategies.
- While religion showed an association, further research is needed to understand the interplay of socioeconomic factors and eye health.
Abstract:
The present study of ocular infections was conducted amongst primary school children residing in an urban slum and rural area of Delhi. A total of four schools were selected, two from urban slum in Central Delhi Rouse Avenue and two from a peripheral village on the outskirts of Delhi. All the children studying in the above mentioned schools and residing in the same area were covered. All the study subjects were interviewed, clinically examined and given a proforma to be filled by their parents. Of the total 775 subjects only 91 (11.74%) had ocular infections. Conjunctivitis was the most prevalent infection followed by trachoma, stye, blepharitis and chalazion. The type and prevalence of infection was similar, in both sexes and both areas, rural and urban. There was a significant rising trend of ocular infection with increase in age. A significant association was found between ocular infections and religion but the association with per capita income was not significant.
