Risk factors for Refractive Errors in Primary School Children (6 – 12 Year Old) In Nakhonpathom Province

Penpimol Yingyong MD*

*Department of Ophthalmology , Mettapracharak Eye Center, Nakhonpathom

Background: Refractive error is one of the leading cause of visual impairment in children. A analysis of risk factors for refractive error is required to reduce and prevent this common eye disease.

Objective: To identify risk factors associated with these refractive errors in primary school children ( 6-12 year old ) in Nakhonpathom province.

Design: Population-based cross-sectional analytic study
Material and Method : The project was conducted from October 2008 to September 2009 in Nakhonpathom. Refractive error, parental refractive status, hours per week near activities( studying, reading books, watching television, playing video games or working on the computer) were assessed in 377 children who participated in this project.

Results: The most common of the refractive error in primary school children was myopia. Myopic children were more likely to have parents with myopia Children with myopia spend more time at near activities.The multivariate odds ratio( 95% confidence interval ) for two compared with one parent with myopia was 6.37(2.26-17.78) and was 1.019(1.005-1.033) for each diopter-hour per week of near work respectively .Multivariate logistic regression models show no confounding effects between parental myopia and near work suggesting that each factor has an independent association with myopia.

Conclusion: Statistical analysis by logistic regression revealed that family history of refractive error, amount of near-work were significantly associated with refractive error in primary school children.
Keyword : Risk factors , Refractive Errors , Primary School Children , Nakhonpathom