Factors Associated with Refractive Error among Primary School Going Children in Molepolole, Botswana

Abstract

Aims:  To identify factors associated with refractive errors as well as assess the prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among primary school children in Molepolole, Botswana. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Lewis memorial Primary school, from June 2023 to end of June 2023. Methodology: A total of 173 Lewis Primary school children, in Molepolole aged 9 to 15 years of both genders were selected using stratified randomised sampling. School children were interviewed to collect demographics data using a special data collection tool, After the collection of basic information and relevant history, visual acuity was measured using the Snellen chart in a well light room. Each eye was examined separately with the Snellen’s chart placed 6 m from the study participant. The pupils having a visual acuity of <6/6 in either eye was examined again by putting the pinhole in front of each eye for any improvement on the Snellen chart. The improvement of visual acuity by pinhole represents the presence of refractive errors. The pupils having a visual acuity of <6/6 in either eye will undergo the objective and subjective refraction using an auto refractometer, retinoscopy. Results:  Of the 173 participants included in this study, 15 (8.7%) participants had uncorrected refractive errors, of which one third had hyperopia (5, 33.3%) and one third had hyperopic astigmatism (5, 33.3%), while one Quarter had myopic astigmatism (3, 20.0%). Watching television for more than two hours (AOR 8.59; 95% CI: [2.33 31.61], p = 0.001) and reading for more than two hours (AOR 5.64; 95% CI: [1.45 21.94], p = 0.013) were associated with an increased risk of uncorrected refractive errors. Conclusion: Not all children have their refractive error corrected, highlighting the need for timely intervention and access to vision correction services to improve overall visual health. The promotion of healthy visual habits, such as taking regular breaks from screen time and practicing proper reading posture, should also be emphasised in order to prevent and manage refractive errors.