Knowledge and attitudes toward myopia control strategies among teenagers in Lurambi Constituency, Kenya
Background: Myopia is a growing public health issue, particularly among teenagers, due to rapid ocular growth that increases the risk of complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. With its global rise, understanding myopia control strategies (MCS) is crucial to reduce prevalence and prev...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2025-07-01
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| Series: | African Vision and Eye Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://avehjournal.org/index.php/aveh/article/view/1023 |
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| Summary: | Background: Myopia is a growing public health issue, particularly among teenagers, due to rapid ocular growth that increases the risk of complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. With its global rise, understanding myopia control strategies (MCS) is crucial to reduce prevalence and prevent associated complications.
Aim: To evaluate teenagers’ knowledge and attitudes towards MCS.
Setting: The study was conducted across all clinics in Lurambi Constituency, Kenya.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was used. Teenagers attending selected clinics were recruited through census method. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured, and modified questionnaire. Ethical approvals were obtained from IERC, NACOSTI, and local clinics. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, applying proportions, percentages, and Chi-square tests.
Results: Of the 115 teenagers surveyed, 69.8% had good knowledge of MCS, and 47.7% had adopted them. Among non-adopters, 62.7% demonstrated poor knowledge. Awareness of single-vision spectacles and contact lenses was noted in 49.6%, with 65.6% adoption among them. Only 34.8% were aware of progressive segmented spectacles and gentamycin eyedrops. Knowledge was significantly associated with uptake (P = 0.033). A positive attitude correlated with a 95.4% adoption rate. While general attitude was not significantly linked to uptake (P = 0.127), views on appearance and prevention of vision deterioration were (P = 0.033 and P = 0.034).
Conclusion: Although general knowledge of MCS is fairly high, understanding of specific, effective strategies remains limited.
Contribution: Targeted awareness efforts are recommended for teenagers, parents, and teachers, especially in low-resource settings. |
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| ISSN: | 2413-3183 2410-1516 |