Frequency of Ocular Morbidity among Female Madrassa Students

Abstract

Aim: To find the frequency of ocular morbidity among female students of madrassas.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Duration and Settings of the Study: This study was conducted from April 2023 to January 2024. It was carried out in the two main female specified madrassas in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Methods: A total of 714 students of the madrassa were screened for ocular morbidity. Participants were selected using a random sampling technique. After obtaining informed consent, each student underwent assessment of visual acuity, refraction, convergence testing and anterior segment examination. Findings were recorded on a proforma, and data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, with results presented as frequencies and percentages in tables.

Results: Out of 714 madrassa students, 170 had ocular problems. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was 23.8%. Refractive error was the major cause of ocular morbidity (14%), followed by convergence insufficiency (4.62%), blepharitis (1.40%), allergic conjunctivitis (0.84%), bacterial conjunctivitis (0.70%), amblyopia (0.70%), and squint (0.56%) respectively. Myopia was the major refractive error (10.08%).

Conclusion: The most common cause of ocular morbidity was refractive error, followed by convergence insufficiency. Most of the causes were either treatable or preventable.