PREVALENCE OF STRABISMUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL CHILDREN IN GONDAR CITY, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, such that the visual axes of each eye are not simultaneously directed at the object of regard. It may be the result of multiple factors. It is usually attributable to refractive, sensory, organic, anatomic, motor or innervational causes. It occurs more frequently in children with neurodevelopmental conditions and born prematurely or of low birth weight. Though strabismus is a common presenting ocular problem, there are limited data in the study area about the prevalence and associated factors. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of strabismus among kindergarten school children in Gondar city. Methods: School based cross-sectional study design was used from April 24 - May 8, 2017 with 848 sample size. Multistage systematic random sampling was used to reach at the required sample size. The data was collected by pretested and structured questionnaire and through eye examination with different ophthalmic instruments. Data was entered into epidemiological information version 3.5.1 and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 20. Descriptive statistics was carried out. Binary logistic regression was fitted and variables which had P value of < 0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered as statistically significant. Result: A total of 784 study subjects were included in this study, giving a response rate of 92.5%. The median age was 6 years Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of strabismus was 3.1%. Prematurity, parents with strabismus and children with refractive error were independently significantly associated variables with strabismus. As vision loss and amblyopia are the major complications of strabismus, early screening is important. Key words: Cross-sectional, kindergarten school, Northwest Ethiopia, Strabismus