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Prevalence of refractive error in Nigerian children

Steve O Adebusoye1, Oghogho Onovae2, Temiwoluwa Adebusoye2

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|May 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Refractive errors affect 5.9% of Nigerian children, with higher risks for girls, older children, and urban residents. School screenings are recommended, especially for these groups, to address this public health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Refractive errors significantly impact children's development and education.
  • Existing global data inadequately represent the prevalence in Nigerian children.
  • National studies are hindered by cost and logistical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the pooled prevalence and patterns of refractive error among Nigerian children.
  • To provide data crucial for public health interventions and policy-making in Nigeria.
  • To identify demographic and geographic factors associated with refractive error in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Comprehensive search of multiple databases for school-based and population-based studies.
  • Inclusion of 28 studies encompassing 34,866 Nigerian children under 18 or in pre-tertiary institutions.

Main Results:

  • The pooled prevalence of refractive error was 5.9% (95% CI: 3.6-8.7%), with variations based on study definitions and regions.
  • Children needing screening to detect one case of refractive error was 15 (95% CI: 9-21).
  • Increased odds of refractive error were observed in girls (OR: 1.3), children over 10 years (OR: 1.7), and urban residents (OR: 2.0).

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of refractive error in Nigerian children warrants targeted screening programs in schools.
  • Screening efforts should prioritize urban areas and older children.
  • Further research, including population-based studies and refined case definitions, is necessary to fully understand and address refractive errors in Nigerian children.

Keywords:
Childrenepidemiologygender Nigeriaprevalencerefractive errorsschoolurban population

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