Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Parents Regarding Children's Eye Care: A Cross-Sectional Study from Southwestern Saudi Arabia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52609/jmlph.v5i3.174Keywords:
Attitude, Child, Eye Diseases, Health Knowledge, Parents, Practice, Vision ScreeningAbstract
Abstract—Introduction: Eye care in children is of critical importance, as numerous pathologies can arise during childhood with the risk of serious consequences, including blindness. Parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this regard are therefore crucial, as they significantly influence their children's eye health. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents regarding children's eye care in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire comprising 29 questions, divided into four sections: sociodemographic data, parents' practices regarding their children's eye care, parents' knowledge of eye problems, and parents' attitudes towards their children's eye examinations.
Results: The study included 782 participants, most of whom were aged between 36 and 45 years (41.8%). The majority were Saudi nationals (95.9%) and married (94.2%). Regarding children's eye care, 61.1% of parents reported taking their child for an eye examination primarily in response to an eye illness. Awareness of specific eye conditions varied, with 57% aware of refractive errors, 71% of amblyopia, and 85% of cataracts. Logistic regression analysis identified participants’ area of residence and educational level as significant predictors of good knowledge and positive attitudes towards child eye care, while factors such as age and nationality had variable effects.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the majority of parents in Jazan are well-informed about children's eye care and recognise the importance of early eye examinations. However, there remains a need for targeted educational campaigns addressing the importance of regular eye checks, concerns regarding the psychological and educational impact of eyeglasses, and increased awareness of the preventability and treatability of childhood eye conditions.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Abdulaziz H. Alhazmi, Osama A. Mobarki, Rana A. Sumayli, Revan Abdulrahman Arishi, Fatimah N. Hakami, Naif A. Gharwi, Ehab F. Hakami, Ebrahim M. Abulqusim, Dhiyaa A. Otayf, Ismail Abuallut
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