Abstract:
Background: Uncorrected refractive errors (REs) are becoming very common in children in
developing countries, yet the use of spectacles and compliance to wear are not well documented
in African children.
Aim: To determine spectacle utilisation rate and reasons for non-compliance with spectacle
wear amongst primary school children.
Setting: Primary schools in Onitsha, Anambra state, Nigeria.
Methods: A stratified random cluster sampling procedure was used to select children aged
5–15 years in 17 primary schools. A total of 1020 were enumerated – 998 (97.8%) were
examined, and 97 (9.7%) had RE (uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in both eyes).
A questionnaire interview using items derived from the revised Refractive Error Study
in Children protocol was used to get information regarding reasons for spectacle wear
non-compliance.
Results: Of the 97 children with RE, 20 wore their spectacles during the time of study, yielding
a spectacle utilisation rate of 20.6%. Eleven (55%) of those wearing spectacles were females, 13
(65%) were myopic and the highest number (50%) of spectacle wearers was in the 8–10 years
age category. Age, gender and type of RE were significantly associated with spectacle wear
(p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). The major reasons for non-compliance with
spectacles wear were parental disapproval for using spectacles and misconceptions about
wearing spectacles.
Conclusion: Spectacle utilisation amongst primary school children in Onitsha was low. These
findings suggest the need for public awareness about the importance and benefits of wearing
spectacles.
