Strabismus prevalence and associated factors among pediatric patients in southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Bekalu Getahun Agaje1, Demoze Delelegne1, Elias Abera1
1Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
Insights
Childhood strabismus affects 17.9% of children, with amblyopia and refractive errors being key associated factors. Early screening is crucial for managing this common eye condition in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Strabismus is a common childhood eye condition.
- Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of strabismus in children up to 15 years old.
- To identify factors associated with childhood strabismus.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 582 children.
- Data collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires and clinical examinations.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of childhood strabismus was 17.9%.
- Amblyopia (56.7%), anisometropia (58.9%), and significant refractive errors (52.7%) were strongly linked to strabismus.
- Younger age (<10 years) and presence of amblyopia or refractive errors were significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- Childhood strabismus is prevalent and associated with amblyopia and refractive errors.
- Early screening for strabismus in children is essential.
- Further community-based studies are needed to confirm findings and identify predictors.
Objective:
To assess the strabismus prevalence and associated factors among children aged ≤15 years.
Methods:
This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 to October 2017 in the Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect relevant data and clinical examinations were performed for patient diagnosis.
Results:
Overall, 582 children participated in the study (response rate, 97%). The prevalence of childhood strabismus was 17.9% [95% confidence interval: 14.6-21.1]. Additionally, 9.6%, 16.7%, and 9.6% of the children had anisometropia, amblyopia, and dense cataract, respectively. Among the 16.7% of children with amblyopia, 56.7% had strabismus; among the 22.5% of children with clinically significant refractive error, 52.7% had strabismus. Moreover, among the 9.6% of children with anisometropia, 58.9% had strabismus. The presence of amblyopia (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.9, 1.7-8.6), age <5 years (13.5 [5.0-36.1]), age 5 to 10 years (6.1 [2.3-16.3]), and clinically significant refractive error (13.3 [5.8-30.6]) were significantly associated with childhood strabismus.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of strabismus was relatively high among patients in this study. Early screening for childhood strabismus is essential. A well-controlled community-based study is needed to confirm strabismus prevalence and predictors.
