A cross-sectional study of ocular morbidity in urban slums non-schooling children of Ahmedabad City, Gujarat.

ABSTRACT

Background: Data on eye diseases among non-schooling children is very rare. Considering the fact those 19 million visually impaired children, 12 million children are due to refractive errors while 1.4 million are irreversibly blind for the rest of their lives. Early detection and treatment of ocular morbidity among children is important. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of ocular morbidity among urban-slums, non-schooling children of age 0-15 years. Methods: A cross sectional community based study was carried out in five slum areas of urban health training center, Asarwa, adopted by Dept. of Community Medicine to cover non-schooling children of below 15 years of age, from November 2010 to December 2010. Information was collected on a pretested semi structured proforma. An ophthalmologist from Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO) did visual acuity and detailed ophthalmic examination. Data was analyzed with appropriate statistical tests like simple proportions and chi-square (x2) test. Result: Total 391 (14.2%) children in urban –slums community, who were not going to school, were included. Prevalence of ocular morbidity was 21.2%, Trachoma 4.9%, vitamin A deficiency 3.6 %, conjunctivitis 3.3%, refractive errors 3.3% squint 2.5% & color blindness 1.0%. Overall prevalence of ocular morbidity in government hospital and non-schoolings did not show any statistical significant difference. Conclusion: A high prevalence of ocular morbidity among non-schooling children was observed. School health services should be further expanded as child health check-up for the benefit of non-schooling children as well.