Prevalence of Refractive errors in Primary school children in a rural community in Ebonyi state of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, refractive error is a common cause of visual impairment in the paediatric age group. However, no previous vision screening study among primary schools children has been reported in Ebonyi State, South-Eastern Nigeria. This study aimed to screen primary school children in two rural primary schools in Nchokko Community of Igbeagu Izzi, Ebonyi State for refractive errors.

Subjects and Methods This was point prevalence, cross- sectional study of all primary school children in the two primary schools at Nchokko community of Igbeagu village of Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State. The study population consists of all pupils present during the school eye health visit to this community on the 6^th of March 2012.

Results There was a total of 213 pupils comprising of 107 males and 106 females (Ratio, 1:1) ages ranged from 5-15 years with a mean age of 9.6 ± 2.7 years. Refractive error was found in 2 patients (0.9%).

Conclusion: The Prevalence of Refractive Error in the two rural primary schools at Nchokko community of Igbeagu village of Izzi Local Government Area of EbonyiState.was 0.9%.

Key words: Nigeria, Refractive error, Rural, school children.