Knowledge, attitude, and practice about myopia in school students in Marat city of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of youth myopia has increased significantly in the local communities of Saudi Arabia; school children and parents are unaware of the knowledge and complications of myopia.

OBJECTIVE

To initiate and increase the awareness of myopia among school students and to prevent future complications.

METHOD

An organized, questionnaire with 14 questions was prepared to analyze the school students' knowledge attitudes and practice about myopia. The study was conducted in a local school in Marat city, Saudi Arabia, between April 2019 and September 2019. The sample size includes 100 male students of age group 7 years to 14 years.

RESULTS

82% of students have heard about myopia with the majority source of information being parents (62%) and teachers (35%). 45% of the students reported a negative attitude toward the eye-glasses users. 20% of students have reported the use of eye-glasses. Most of the students reported uncomfortable feel and shyness due to wearing of eye-glasses which limits their use.

CONCLUSION

The public awareness programs by the local governing bodies, local hospitals, health workers, medical colleges, and non-government organizations should be organized in each local school to increase the school students' knowledge, positive attitude, and practice toward myopia.