Assessment of Awareness of Parents about Pediatric visual problems by KAP survey in Thanjavur district – A Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In India, about 42.9% to 49.9% of childhood blindness is avoidable, with refractive error being the major cause of preventable blindness. This condition can be eliminated through parental education, early intervention, and treatment. This study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about pediatric visual problems and to determine whether the demographic factors may influence KAP.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in three schools within the Thanjavur district. A total of 276 parents of children studying in these schools were randomly selected. A survey was done using a validated questionnaire on KAP of pediatric eye diseases.

Results: The mean (SD) age of the 276 participants was 40.05 (6.32) years, with a majority being female (n = 159, 57.6%). Only 9% of parents demonstrated excellent knowledge of visual problems and 35% had positive attitude. Excellent practice was noted in 3% and good practice in 22% of participants. Knowledge and attitude were significantly correlated with the educational qualifications and occupation of the head of the family. Practice was significantly linked to income. KAP levels were notably higher among parents who already had ocular issues and those with children suffering from ocular problems.

Conclusion: The understanding of pediatric eye diseases and the preventive practices adopted by parents to address visual problems in children were found to be inadequate, which was significantly influenced by the family's education, occupation, and income.