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Legesse N, Abdissa B, Begna Z, Lemma D. Prevalence of visual impairment and associated factors among primary school children in Ambo Town, Ethiopia, 2021. SAGE Open Med 2024; 12:20503121241236136. [PMID: 38826822 PMCID: PMC11143799 DOI: 10.1177/20503121241236136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Visual impairment is a functional limitation of the eye(s) or the visual system manifested as reduced visual acuity. At least 2.2 billion people have visual impairment worldwide, and 90% of people with visual impairment have either preventable or treatable causes with cost-effective interventions. Objectives To assess magnitude of visual impairment and associated factors among primary school children in Ambo Town, Ethiopia, in 2021. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected primary schools of Ambo Town. A simple random sampling technique was used to select schools and study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and entered into Epidata version 3.1 for analysis by using SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression was adopted to identify statistically significant factors which were associated with visual impairment. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to evaluate how well the logistic regression model fits to the data. Results About 780 out of 838 primary school children were enrolled in the study, yielding a response rate of 93.07%. The estimated prevalence of visual impairment was 8.8% with 95% CI: 6.81-10.79. The main risk factor for visual impairment among primary school children were Students' grade level, exposure to mobile screen, family history of visual problems, and family awareness about the status of their child's eye problems were significantly associated with visual impairments (AOR = 2.375, 95% CI: 1.079-5.226; AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.401-5.01; AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.071-5.42; and AOR = 4.503, 95% CI: 2.12-9.55, respectively). Conclusion A high prevalence of visual impairment was observed among primary school children. Attending higher grades, being exposed to mobile screen, and having a family history of visual problems were significantly associated with visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigist Legesse
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Bayisa Abdissa
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Zenabu Begna
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Lemma
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
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Birhanu MY, Bekele GM, Leshargie CT, Jemberie SS. National estimate and associated factors of myopia among schoolchildren in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF OPTOMETRY 2024; 17:100480. [PMID: 37976882 PMCID: PMC10692897 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2023.100480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myopia is a global public health concern that has a significant socioeconomic and psychological impact on schoolchildren. If Myopic patients are not detected early, they are exposed to retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma. There have been previous studies conducted in Ethiopia, but there is significant inconsistency among studies. Hence, the aim of this study was to provide a single figure as well as associated factors for Myopia among Ethiopian schoolchildren. METHOD The national and international databases and gray literature were searched for important research articles. This review included school-based cross-sectional studies that were reported in English. The data were extracted using Microsoft word and exported to Stata™ Version 17.0 statistical software for further management and analysis .The presence of heterogeneity was checked using Cochrane Q test via fixed effects model and presented by forest plots with 95% CI. Due to the presence of substantial heterogeneity, I2 test using random effects model was computed to estimate the effect size. The existing heterogeneity among studies was explained by regional difference. To identify factors associated with myopia, meta regression was computed and significant factors was reported using OR with 95% CI. RESULTS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 12 studies with a total of 9688 schoolchildren were included. The national estimate of myopia among schoolchildren in Ethiopia was 6.49% (95%CI: 4.86, 8.12). Having family history of myopia (OR: 9.18, 95%CI: 3.5,24.02) and being female (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.98) were the identified factors associated with myopia. CONCLUSION Myopia is one of the most prevalent childhood health condition in Ethiopia, which affects about one in every fourteen schoolchildren. Schoolchildren who had family history of myopia and being female were the identified risk factors of myopia among schoolchildren. Clinical and public engagement activities are needed to address the burden of myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molla Yigzaw Birhanu
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos university, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
| | - Getamesay Molla Bekele
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Cheru Tesema Leshargie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos university, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Department of Public health, School of Health Sciences, University of Technology Science, Sydney, Australia
| | - Selamawit Shita Jemberie
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Lorato MM, Yimer A, Kebede Bizueneh F. Prevalence of myopia in school-age children in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231200105. [PMID: 37808514 PMCID: PMC10559703 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231200105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of myopia among school-age children in Ethiopia. Methods Eligible articles were searched from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. In addition, Google Scholar and reference lists of the retrieved articles were searched from 30 July 2022 to 02 January 2023. The preferred reporting of items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis was used to report the search results. Microsoft Excel was used to keep the data. The qualities of eligible studies were checked using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies. Analysis was held using STATA Version 11. The degree of heterogeneity was checked using I² statistics. The possible sources of heterogeneity were examined using meta-regression and subgroup analyses. The funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess the potential publication bias. A correction was made for publication bias using Duval and Twee Die's trim-and-fill analysis. The systematic review registration number is PROSPERO (#CRD42022330541). Results We identified 21 eligible articles including 20,757 subjects. Of those participants, 10,601 (51.1%) and 10,156 (48.9%) were males and females, respectively. A total of 15,152 (73%) participants were urban residents. The estimated prevalence of myopia among school-age children in Ethiopia was found to be 5.26% (95% confidence interval: 4.09-6.42). Conclusions The prevalence of myopia among school-age children in Ethiopia is considerable, affecting one in 20 school-age children. Therefore, the authors recommend the stakeholders take extra steps to speed up the implementation of the school vision screening program and its integration plan into the existing school nutrition program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merkineh Markos Lorato
- Department of Optometry, School of Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ali Yimer
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
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Awoke N, Tekalign T, Teshome Guta M, Lenjebo TL, Dendir G, Obsa MS, Asinake G, Lambebo AA, Bekele ML. Visual impairment in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/02646196221145358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
WHO Prevention of Blindness Program launched ‘‘VISION 2020” in 1999 to reduce visual impairment and eradicate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. Ethiopia launched the “VISION 2020” initiative in 2002. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to present the national prevalence of visual impairment at the end of “VISION 2020”. Electronic search was conducted on the PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google scholar databases for including articles. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Endnote reference manager was used for downloading, organizing, and citing articles. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal tool for prevalence studies. Statistical analysis was done using the STATA™ software version 14. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 18 studies involving 14,953 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of visual impairment in Ethiopia after correction for publication bias by Duval and Tweedie’s trim and fill analysis was estimated to be 6.24% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.66, 9.82]). The pooled prevalence of visual impairment among school children and adults in Ethiopia was 6.13% (95% CI = [4.27, 7.98]) and 19.89% (95% CI = [10.85, 28.93]), respectively. The most common causes of visual impairment in decreasing order of prevalence were refractive error, cataract, trachoma, glaucoma, and corneal opacity. Amblyopia was the cause of visual impairment among school-age child. The prevalence of visual impairment in Ethiopia was still significant at the end of “VISION 2020” program. Therefore, the program of “VISION 2020” should be extended and other large-scale programs were needed to reduce the prevalence of vision impairment in Ethiopia.
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Atlaw D, Shiferaw Z, Sahiledengele B, Degno S, Mamo A, Zenbaba D, Gezahegn H, Desta F, Negash W, Assefa T, Abdela M, Hasano A, Walle G, Kene C, Gomora D, Chattu VK. Prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error among children and adolescents in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271313. [PMID: 35980970 PMCID: PMC9387832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, the prevalence of refractive error was 12%, and visual impairment due to refractive error was 2.1%. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment due to refractive error was 12.6% and 3.4%, respectively. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error varies from 2.5% in the Gurage zone to 12.3% in Hawassa city. Hence, this Meta-analysis aimed to summarize the pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error in Ethiopia. Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted by the authors to identify all relevant primary studies. All articles on the prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error in Ethiopia were identified through a literature search. The databases used to search for studies were PubMed, Science Direct, POPLINE, HENARI, Google Scholar, and grey literature was searched on Google until December 15, 2021. In this meta-analysis, the presence of publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Begg’s tests at a significance level of less than 0.05. The sensitivity analysis was conducted to check for a single study’s effect on the overall prevalence of refractive error. Result About 1664 studies were retrieved from initial electronic searches using international databases and google searches. A total number of 20,088 children and adolescents were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error in Ethiopia using the random effects model was estimated to be 6% (95% CI, 5–7) with a significant level of heterogeneity (I2 = 94.4%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive was analyzed by subtypes, and pooled prevalence was estimated to be 4%, 5.2%, and 1% for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, respectively. Conclusion The pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error was high in Ethiopia. About one in twenty-five Ethiopian children and adolescents are affected by visual impairment due to myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Atlaw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Zerihun Shiferaw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Biniyam Sahiledengele
- Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Degno
- Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Shashemene Campus, Shashemene, Ethiopia
| | - Ayele Mamo
- Department of Pharmacy, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Demisu Zenbaba
- Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Gezahegn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Fikreab Desta
- Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Wogene Negash
- Department of Nursing, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Assefa
- Department of Nursing, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Mujib Abdela
- Department of Midwifery, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Abbul Hasano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Walle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Chala Kene
- Department of Midwifery, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Degefa Gomora
- Department of Midwifery, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technological Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
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Anley DT, Anteneh RM, Tegegne YS, Ferede OL, Zemene MA, Angaw DA, Teym A. Prevalence of visual impairment and associated factors among children in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271433. [PMID: 35862381 PMCID: PMC9302764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Visual impairment is a major public health problem in developing countries where there is no enough health-care service. It has a significant impact on the affected child’s psychological, educational and socioeconomic experiences, during childhood and beyond. Therefore, the aim of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among children in Ethiopia. Method This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant published articles in Ethiopia from 2011–2021 were searched in PubMed/Medline, HINARI, Google scholar, and conference paper and thesis or research final reports were accessed from Ethiopian Universities’ repositories. Data was extracted in Microsoft excel by using JBI data extraction checklist. The pooled prevalence and odds ratio of associated factors with their 95% CI was computed by using STATA 14/SE software. A fixed effect meta-analysis model was employed for a Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 test showed there was no heterogeneity in the included studies. Result A total of 7,647 children from nine studies were included in this study. The overall prevalence of visual impairment among children in Ethiopia was 7% (95% CI: 6, 7%). The pooled prevalence of visual impairment by region was almost similar in Ethiopia. However, there was no significant association between the identified factors and visual impairment among children. But the result showed that being males (AOR 0.642, 95% CI: 0.357–1.156), Children in the age of 10–13 years (AOR 0.224, 95% CI: 0.046–1.102) and 14–18 years (AOR 0.508, 95% CI: 0.102–2.534) were found to be less likely to have visual impairment. On the other hand, children of parents with visual impairment (AOR 1.820, 95% CI: 0.381–8.698) more likely to have visual impairment. Conclusion Visual impairment among children in Ethiopia is still a public health problem one year later to VISION 2020, a global initiative aimed to eliminate avoidable blindness. All most one out of fourteen children in Ethiopia had visual impairment. Therefore, the government of Ethiopia should focus on effective, efficient, comprehensive eye health care services by integrating with the national health system to prevent avoidable visual impairment among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denekew Tenaw Anley
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Rahel Mulatie Anteneh
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | | | - Oshe lemita Ferede
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Aderajew Zemene
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Dessie Abebaw Angaw
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Teym
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Markos M, Kefyalew B, Tesfaye HB. Pooled prevalence of blindness in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2022; 7:bmjophth-2021-000949. [PMID: 36161856 PMCID: PMC9171275 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2021-000949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Blindness is defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 3/60 in the better eye. Its highest proportion has been conforming to the developing countries such as Ethiopia. So, timely information is crucial to design strategies. However, the study on the magnitude of blindness in Ethiopia was outdated which means it was conducted in 2005–2006. Therefore, this study was proposed to estimate the pooled prevalence of blindness in Ethiopia. Databases like PubMed, Cochrane library, Google Scholar and references of retrieved articles were used to search for articles. A standard data extraction approach was employed and presented using Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Analysis held using STATA V.11. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were applied to check for the potential sources of bias. Heterogeneity among the studies was tested using I² statistics that have been calculated and compared with the standard. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were done to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity. Estimation of blindness was carried out using Duval and Twee die’s trim and fill analysis. The pooled prevalence of blindness in Ethiopia is found to be 1.18% (95% CI 0.650% to 1.706%). Blindness is among the main public health difficulties in Ethiopia. So, it demands up-to-date strategies and its implementation, preventive and curative eye care service with affordable and accessible interventions, and evidence-based advocacy. The trial Registration Number is CRD42021268448.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merkineh Markos
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Biruktayit Kefyalew
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Hana Belay Tesfaye
- Department of Early Childhood Care and Education, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Prakash WD, Marmamula S, Mettla AL, Keeffe J, Khanna RC. Visual impairment and refractive errors in school children in Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:2131-2139. [PMID: 35647998 PMCID: PMC9359223 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2949_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Addressing childhood vision impairment (VI) is one of the main goals of the World Health Organization's (WHO) combating blindness strategies. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of VI, causes, and its risk factors in school children in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods Children aged 4-15 years were screened in schools using the 6/12 Snellen optotype by trained community eye health workers, and those who failed the test and those reported or found to have obvious eye conditions were referred to primary (VC), secondary (SC), or tertiary (TC) care centre appropriately, where they underwent a complete eye examination including cycloplegic refraction and fundus examination. Results A total of 56,988 children were screened, of whom 51.18% were boys. The mean age was 9.69 ± 3.26 years (4-15 years). Overall, 2,802/56,988 (4.92%) children were referred to a VC, of which 632/56,988 (1.11%) required referral to SC/TC. PVA of <6/12 was found in 1.72% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-1.83). The prevalence of refractive error (corrected and uncorrected) was 2.38% (95% CI: 2.26-2.51) and myopia was 2.17% (95% CI: 2.05-2.29). In multivariable analysis, older children, those in urban schools, private schools, and children with a disability had an increased risk of VI and myopia. Additionally, the risk of myopia was higher among girls than boys. Of those referred and reached SC/TC, 73.64% were due to avoidable causes. Conclusion Childhood VI prevalence was 1.72% in this region. Uncorrected refractive error (URE) was the major cause of VI in children. Older age, schools in urban locations, private schools, and the presence of disability were associated with the risk of VI among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston D Prakash
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eyecare; Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Srinivas Marmamula
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eyecare; Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Asha Latha Mettla
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eyecare, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jill Keeffe
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eyecare, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eyecare, L V Prasad Eye Institute; Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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Sume BW, Seyoum G. Prevalence of refractive errors among school students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/20503121221127096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Refractive errors are most common ocular disorders among children and adolescents. They remain as secondary causes of avoidable blindness in impoverished areas in Africa, most notably in Ethiopia. The problem worsens if it is not managed and addressed early. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of refractive errors among school students in Ethiopia. Methods: We searched international databases such as PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for relevant articles. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata version 14.0 software for analysis. The Cochrane Q and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plot, Egger’s, and Begg’s tests were used to assess reporting bias. Random effect meta-analysis model was employed to estimate pooled prevalence of refractive errors. A regional subgroup analysis was carried out. Results: We reviewed 22 qualified studies with 23,355 study participants. The overall prevalence of refractive errors among school students was 7.36% (95% confidence interval = 6.05, 8.67). The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism was 5.10% (95% confidence interval = 3.79, 6.40), 0.95% (95% confidence interval = 0.59, 1.31), and 0.01% (95% confidence interval = 0.01, 0.04), respectively. From subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence of refractive errors was reported in Amhara Region (9.18%, 95% confidence interval = 6.63, 11.74), followed by Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ region (6.78%, 95% confidence interval = 4.65, 8.92) while the lowest prevalence of refractive errors was reported in Addis Ababa (3.93%, 95% confidence interval = 3.30, 4.56). Conclusion: In Ethiopia, the prevalence of refractive errors among school students is higher (7.36%) compared to what it was 5 years (7.05%) ago. Amhara Region has the highest prevalence of refractive errors among school students in Ethiopia with myopia being the most common type of refractive error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bickes Wube Sume
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Seyoum
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Aruljyothi L, Janakiraman A, Malligarjun B, Babu BM. Smartphone applications in ophthalmology: A quantitative analysis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2021; 69:548-553. [PMID: 33595469 PMCID: PMC7942060 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1480_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: There is limited information in literature about the scope and usability of Smartphone Applications (Apps) in ophthalmology. Eye care professionals are therefore skeptical about the benefits of smartphone Apps and are reluctant to adopt it in their day to day practice. The purpose of this study was to provide an updated overview of all Apps exclusive to ophthalmology. Methods: This study was a quantitative analysis of Smartphone Apps exclusively designed for ophthalmic care. The Apple iPhone and Google play store were searched for eye care themed Apps. Any App related to eye treatment and management such as visual acuity screening, eye education, calculators, eBooks, Low Vision Aids were included in the study. Data on the purpose of the Apps, target end-users, validation, App usage, user ratings, and App developer qualifications were documented. Results: As of March 2020, a total of 131 Apps exclusively dedicated for eye care were identified. 53% (69/131) were available in iPhones, 44% (58/131) in Android smartphones, and 3% in both. 32% (41/131) Apps were designed for visual acuity (VA) screening, 13% (17/131) for eye relaxation exercises, 12% (15/131) for professional education, and the remaining for Apps detecting color blindness, low vision aids, and assistance and patient education. Among the 131 Apps, 6 (4.5%) Apps are claimed by the developers as validated. Conclusion: This study unveils a wide range of smartphone Apps exclusive to ophthalmology and suggests guidelines to choose an appropriate App. The study also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the design, development, and validation of such Apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokeshwari Aruljyothi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cataract and Cornea Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anuja Janakiraman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cataract and Cornea Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - B Malligarjun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cataract and Cornea Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balasundaram Manohar Babu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cataract and Cornea Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
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