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The pavagada pediatric eye disease study: objectives, methodology and participant characteristics
Vasudha Kemmanu1, Kaushik Hegde, Smitha Devagirkar
1Narayana Nethralaya, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus , Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore 560010. vasudhakemmanu@gmail.com
Insights
This study outlines a population-based survey methodology for assessing pediatric eye diseases in rural South India. Findings will inform intervention strategies for childhood ocular morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pediatric ocular morbidity is a significant public health concern in low-resource settings.
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of childhood eye diseases is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the methodology of a population-based survey conducted among children aged 15 years and younger in rural South India.
- To establish a framework for assessing pediatric eye conditions in underserved populations.
Main Methods:
- A three-phase, population-based cross-sectional survey involving trained field workers, peripheral rural hospitals, and ophthalmologists.
- Systematic screening and referral pathway for children identified with potential eye diseases.
- Stratified sampling by age groups (0-5, 6-10, 11-15 years) with near-equal sex distribution.
Main Results:
- A total of 29,850 children were targeted, with 23,100 screened (77.39% response rate).
- 1,538 children were referred for further examination by ophthalmologists.
- Comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation was ensured for all referred children, with 59 identified for specialized pediatric ophthalmologist review.
Conclusions:
- The survey methodology provides a robust approach to estimating pediatric ocular morbidity in rural South India.
- The data generated are expected to guide the development of targeted intervention strategies.
- This study highlights the importance of systematic screening and referral systems for childhood eye care.
Purpose:
To explain the objectives and methodology of a population-based survey of children ≤15 years in rural South India.
Methods:
A population-based cross sectional survey was performed by trained field workers (1st phase). Children with eye disease were referred to the peripheral rural hospital (2nd phase) to be examined by a general ophthalmologist. If major eye disease (cataract, strabismus) was identified they were referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist (3rd phase).
Results:
The sample size was 29,850. In the 1st phase, 23,100 children were screened (response rate 77.39%). There were about 33% of children in each of the three stratified age groups (0-5, 6-10 and 11-15 years), with a nearly equal sex distribution in each group (range 47% to 52%). Of the 23,100 screened, 1538 were referred to the peripheral rural hospital. The general ophthalmologist evaluated 647 patients (42%) who came to the peripheral rural hospital (2nd phase) and referred 59 children to the pediatric ophthalmologist (3rd phase). The pediatric ophthalmologist, in addition to evaluating the 59 children referred from the 2nd phase, also evaluated those who did not report (891/1538) to the peripheral rural hospital. This evaluation was done in the field itself. All the 1538 children referred by the field workers were thus seen by an ophthalmologist (647 by the general ophthalmologist, 891 by the pediatric ophthalmologist and 59 by both).
Conclusion:
The study is expected to provide information about the prevalence of pediatric ocular morbidity that could help plan intervention strategies in this area.
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