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Evaluating the Effectiveness and Scalability of the World Health Organization MyopiaEd Digital Intervention: Mixed
Yeonsu Lee1,2, Stuart Keel3, Sangchul Yoon1,4
1Center for Global Development, Yonsei Institute for Global Health, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
|December 16, 2024
Summary
The MyopiaEd program effectively increased parental knowledge and eye checkups for children in South Korea, showing potential for myopia prevention. This digital intervention improved eye health behaviors and attitudes toward outdoor activities.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Global rise in myopia, especially in East/Southeast Asia, suggests environmental factors.
- MyopiaEd program launched by WHO and ITU to address this public health concern.
- South Korea's high myopia and smartphone use rates made it ideal for program evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of the MyopiaEd program.
- Promote eye health behavior change among parents in South Korea.
- First study of its kind for the MyopiaEd program.
Main Methods:
- Recruited parents of 7-8 year olds via an open-access website.
- Delivered 42 SMS text messages over 6 months (MyopiaEd program).
- Used mixed methods: pre/post surveys and semistructured interviews; adapted program for Korean context.
Main Results:
- 133 parents participated; high engagement and satisfaction reported.
- Significant increases in parental myopia knowledge (P<.001) and eye checkups.
- Increased outdoor time for children with myopia (P=.048); challenges in reducing near-work.
Conclusions:
- MyopiaEd program shows potential as a scalable digital intervention for myopia risk reduction.
- Demonstrates effectiveness in promoting eye health behavior change.
- Offers insights for future myopia prevention policies and broader adoption.
