Factors Associated with Vision Screening in Children: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify the factors associated with vision screening in children. METHODS: This study included 4,827 young children 3-11 years of age who answered the question "Has [name] ever had an eye examination (vision screening) in the past year?" from The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2012 (KNHANES). The trained interviewer asked the questions to a member of the household familiar with the study participant. The factors related to vision screening were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The rate of vision screening gradually increased with age in young children between 3 (25.8%) and 11 years of age (72.5%). Regarding the rate by region, Busan had the highest rate (63.5%), followed by Daegu (62.2%) and Seoul (59.9%). Chungnam had the lowest rate (43.2%), followed by Chonbuk (44.6%) and Chonnam (44.9%). Higher income was associated with increased screening rate with marginal statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.5 for 3rd quartile, 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.0-2.4 versus 1st quartile as a reference group). Households with 5 or more members were less likely to receive vision screening compared to households with 1 child (aOR=0.6, 95% CI, 0.4-0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of vision screening differed according to age group (25.8-72.5%) and region (43.2-63.5%). Regional disparity, low household income and large number of household members were barriers for vision screening in Korean children.