PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF STRABISMUS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Osuji Samuel Chibueze1, Odede Joseph Oluwatosin2, Ejidike Geraldine Ebele3
1Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
2 , 3Department of Optometry, Madonna University Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
Email: drsamsuji@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Strabismus is the most common amblyopic factor. However, few studies have been done to determine the prevalence of strabismus in Ogun State. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Strabismus among Secondary School students in Ogun State. This was a cross-sectional study. With all ethical considerations sustained, three hundred and sixty (360) students who were within the age range of 9 to 22 years were randomly selected from three (3) public secondary schools selected from each of the three senatorial districts of Ogun State. Participants involved in the study were 168 males (46.3%) and 192 females (53.7%). Tests were conducted during the normal academic session for a period of Nine (9) months using instruments such as Snellen Visual Acuity Chart, Occluder, Pen Torch, Prism Bars, and a sheet to record the data. Simple case history and questionnaire were used to determine demographics, and information about the history of trauma, birth history of squint, family history of squint, and to rule out other pathological anomalies from the participants. Snellen’s Visual Acuity Chart, Cover and Uncover tests, Hirshberg Test, and Krimsky test, was also conducted to diagnose and determine the prevalence and pattern of strabismus in the population. Data obtained was analyzed was using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16, and tested with descriptive statistics frequency and chi-square, while a p-value was set at 0.05 (p<0.05). The prevalence of strabismus was 1.90%, and this was significantly high compared to most regions in Africa. Esotropia was more common than Exotropia in equal distribution. Early detection and treatment, as well as training for non-ophthalmic staff like teachers to detect and refer cases of strabismus are advocated.
Keywords: Prevalence; Pattern; Strabismus; Children;
