A Cross-Sectional Study on Myopia-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) among School-children in Chattogram Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh
Md. Jahedul Islam *
Department of Public Health, Premier University, Chattogram (PUC), Bangladesh.
Umme Zaida Mishma
Department of Public Health, Premier University, Chattogram (PUC), Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Myopia is a rapidly growing public health concern worldwide, with a particularly marked increase among school-aged children in urban settings. Environmental and behavioural determinants—including prolonged near work, excessive screen time, and limited outdoor activity—are increasingly recognised as modifiable contributors. In Bangladesh, limited epidemiological data and inadequate school-based screening infrastructure make it difficult to estimate the true burden. A comprehensive assessment of schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding myopia is therefore essential to guide targeted interventions.
Objectives: To assess myopia-related knowledge, prevailing attitudes, and current practices among school-going children in the Chattogram Metropolitan Area and to examine associations between selected sociodemographic variables, behavioural factors, and myopia status.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 students in Classes 5–10 at three purposively selected schools in the Chattogram Metropolitan Area. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire in Bangla covering sociodemographic characteristics and KAP domains. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.
Results: The sample comprised 55.5% male students and 44.5% female students, and the modal age was 15 years. Only 22.9% of participants had previously heard of myopia, whereas 83.5% knew where to seek help for impaired vision. Positive attitudes towards spectacle wearers were reported by 93.9% of respondents; nevertheless, 74.5% were not using spectacles. Statistically significant associations were reported between family type and eye check-up status (χ² = 6.07, df = 1, p = 0.0142) and between daily digital device use and myopia prevalence (χ² = 9.826, df = 2, p = 0.007). Students using devices for more than four hours per day had the highest reported prevalence of myopia (41%).
Conclusion: Despite generally positive attitudes, awareness of myopia and consistent corrective practices were limited among urban Bangladeshi schoolchildren. Prolonged screen time was associated with a higher reported prevalence of myopia. School-based vision screening, targeted health education, and guidance on balanced digital device use may help address the identified gaps.
Keywords: Myopia, schoolchildren, knowledge attitude practice, digital device use, screen time