Vision impairment in schoolchildren in the Gaza strip

AbstractBackground Uncorrected refractive errors (RE) place a substantial burden on individuals and society, affecting education, career opportunities, and psychological well-being. No well-designed studies have measured vision impairment (VI) among schoolchildren in the Gaza Strip. This study estimated the prevalence of VI and RE among first- and ninth-grade students; examined associated factors including sector, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and family history of vision problems; and use of corrective spectacles. Methods A representative cross-sectional study was conducted on first- and ninth-grade students from public and UNRWA schools using the WHO Refractive Error Study in Children (RESC) methodology. VI, RE, amblyopia, and associated factors were measured, and regression models assessed relationships between RE and these factors. Results A total of 950 students from 28 classes participated (88.2% response). VI, RE, and amblyopia prevalence was 8.68%, 7.17%, and 1.63%, respectively. RE caused 81.22% of vision impairment, followed by amblyopia at 18.78%. Ninth graders were twice more likely to have RE compared to first graders (p=0.002). Children of mothers with low education were twice as likely to have RE (p=0.048). Students with non-refugee fathers were twice as likely to have RE than those with refugee fathers (p=0.013). Students of retired parents were significantly less likely to have RE than those of employed fathers (p=0.044). A family history of vision problems doubled the risk (p=0.041) of having RE. Conclusion VI was relatively high in this population, with RE being the main cause. Early identification and treatment are needed for students with risk factors.