Knowledge, Practice and Attitude of Mothers for Ophthalmic Problems in Children in Rural Areas- A Cross-Sectional Study : Ophthalmic Problems in Children in Rural Areas

Muhammad Iftikhar Khattak; Nasrullah Khan; Muhammad Younis Tahir; Faisal Rashid; Rana Naveed Iqbal; Mariyam Sarfraz

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v4i12.1227

Authors

Muhammad Iftikhar Khattak International Research Force, Islamabad, Pakistan
Nasrullah Khan Department of Ophthalmology
Muhammad Younis Tahir Department of Ophthalmology, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Faisal Rashid International Research Force, Islamabad, Pakistan
Rana Naveed Iqbal International Research Force, Islamabad, Pakistan
Mariyam Sarfraz Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v4i12.1227

Keywords:

Visual Impairment, Amblyopia, Conjunctivitis

Abstract

Early years are crucial for eye development. Parents are responsible for children's eye care decisions. Objective: To assess the level of awareness and understanding of the practices among mothers regarding eye disorders and visual impairments in their children in rural areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, practice, and attitude of rural mothers regarding eye problems in children. Results: 385 mothers participated in study. 47.3% were aged 41-50. 29.9% had completed graduation, while 16.1% were illiterate. Knowledge was scored from 2.00 to 14.00, with >7 being very knowledgeable, > 4 but ≤ 7 being somewhat knowledgeable, and ≤ 4 being not knowledgeable. Practice was scored from 0 to 5, with ≥ 3 indicating good practice, >1 to ≤ 3 indicating somewhat practicing, and ≤ 1 indicating poor practicing. Mothers had good knowledge of ophthalmic problems (99.4%). Attitude was scored from 0 to 10, with scores ≥ 6 indicating good attitude. Lack of time and convenience was the main reason for not seeking eye care (70.1%). Parents' knowledge of ophthalmic problems significantly correlated with their attitude and practice (r = 0.546, p < 0.01 and r = 0.602, p < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, parents' attitude was significantly correlated with their practice (r = 0.390, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Mothers' knowledge, practice, and attitude play a key role in detecting and diagnosing the early signs of ophthalmic problems like refractive errors, strabismus, allergic conjunctivitis, and amblyopia.

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