Prevalence of visual impairment and associated risk factors: a cross-sectional community-based study among children and adolescents in Ghana

By
Josephine Ampomah Boateng
Werner Eisenbarth
Sylvester Kyeremeh
Albert Kwadjo Amoah Andoh
Isaiah Osei Duah Junior
Debora Abena Baidoo
Sylvia Agyekum
Daniel Boateng
Emmanuel Antwi
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo
May 20, 2026
0 min

Frontiers In Ophthalmology

Objective:

To report the prevalence and determinants of visual impairment in a community-based sample from the Ashanti Region of Ghana, contrasting with hospital-based estimates influenced by care-seeking behavior.

Key Findings:

Prevalence of distance visual impairment was 6.1% (95% CI: 4.3-8.4) and near visual impairment was 10.9% (95% CI: 8.3-13.9).
Age and ethnicity were significantly associated with lower odds of distance visual impairment.

Interpretation:

Childhood visual impairment remains high in this community, with demographic factors such as age and ethnicity influencing visual health outcomes.

Limitations:

Study limited to a specific region, potentially affecting generalizability.
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
Exclusion of participants due to incomplete visual assessments may introduce bias.

Conclusion:

Strengthened early detection and improved access to pediatric eye care services are needed to reduce avoidable vision loss.

Prevalence of visual impairment and associated risk factors: a cross-sectional community-based study among children and adolescents in Ghana

Objective:

Key Findings:

Interpretation:

Limitations:

Conclusion:

Original Source(s)

Prevalence of visual impairment and associated risk factors: a cross-sectional community-based study among children and adolescents in Ghana

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