Prevalence and risk factors of myopia among Grade 8 learners in Vhembe District

Abstract

Myopia is not a simple refractive error but an eyesight-threatening disorder. The disorder has a great impact on public health and the socio-economic well-being of people, particularly children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of myopia and the risk factors associated with myopia among Grade 8 learners in Vhembe District, South Africa. A quantitative research approach, using descriptive cross-sectional survey design, was used to investigate the prevalence of myopia and the risk factors associated with the disorder among Grade 8 learners. The schools were selected using purposive sampling, based on those with the highest number of Grade 8 learners. The learners were selected randomly from four High Schools in Vhembe District. The sample size of learners was calculated according to Slovin‟s formula and a self-administered questionnaire and assessment form was used to collect the data for the study. The validity of the instrument was ensured using face and content validity. To test the reliability of the instruments, a test-retest method was used on 10% of the sample size and the Cronbanch alpha (α) value was 0.74, which showed that the instrument was reliable. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee and permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Department of Education. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, protection from harm, right to privacy, as well as anonymity and confidentiality, were observed in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and associations between variables were tested through chi-square. Data was captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25.0. The sample comprised of n= 297, of which 158 (53%) were females and 139 (46.6%) were males. Out of the 297, thirty (10.1%) learners had myopia. Myopia was found to be higher among males (70%) than females (30%). In conclusion, myopia was found to be the most prevalent than other refractive errors. Therefore, this study recommended a practical intervention for myopia prevention through promoting health benefits which are associated with more time doing/engaged in outdoor activities. Keywords: Learner, Myopia, Prevalence, Risk factors, Refractive error