To evaluate parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning common childhood eye diseases within a local community.
Approach:
Study Design: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted from 2023 to 2026 among parents of children aged 18 years or younger in a local community.
Sample Size: 400 responses were obtained, with 267 eligible participants analyzed.
Data Collection: Questionnaires were distributed via QR codes and included domains on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of eye diseases, and attitudes towards eye health.
Statistical Analysis: SPSS version 29 was used for analysis, with chi-square tests and multiple linear regression to evaluate associations.
Key Findings:
46.1% of participants reported their child had a pre-existing eye condition, with refractive errors being the most common.
Social media (20.9%) was the primary source of information regarding childhood eye diseases.
61.0% of parents agreed that wearing glasses before age 7 supports normal visual development.
Awareness of amblyopia was noted in 53.2% of participants, with various misconceptions about its causes and treatment.
Interpretation:
Parental awareness of pediatric eye disorders is variable, with significant gaps in knowledge that could affect early detection and treatment.
Limitations:
The study was limited to a specific local community, which may not be representative of broader populations.
Self-reported data may introduce bias in knowledge and attitudes.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight the need for improved education and resources for parents regarding pediatric eye health.
Analysis of more than 61,000 patients found higher odds of elevated loneliness scores among those reporting blindness and those with diabetic retinopathy, but not among patients with glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.
