Awareness, Perceptions and Knowledge of Strabismus among Pediatrics and Ophthalmology Clinics Attendees in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah

Abstract

Background: To assess the knowledge, awareness, and perception about strabismus and related disease dimensions among the parents and companions of children attending the pediatrics and ophthalmology clinic. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out between 01 January and 31 July 2017 including the companions of children having strabismus who attended the Pediatrics and Ophthalmology clinics. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. Results: The study included 474 companions of children (69.8% females). Knowledge about strabismus definition was correctly identified in 61.1%-74.6% of the participants. Heredity was the most frequently identified etiology (68.9%), followed by trauma (61.3%). Regarding treatment options, 63.6%, 60.6% and 47.8% of the participants correctly identified glasses, surgery and eye muscle exercise as possible options to treat strabismus, respectively. Most frequent knowledge sources were relatives and friends (69.8%) and the internet and social media (56.3%). Parents' role was highly appreciated as perceived by the participants, particularly for early detection (93.4%), diagnosis (92.0%), compliance with treatment (94.7%) and follow-up (92.4%). Both genders showed moderate knowledge about strabismus with a significantly higher level of knowledge in female participants (P=0.001). The Educational level had no impact on such parameter. Conclusion: There is high awareness level about different strabismus dimensions but with several misconceptions related to its psychosocial and economic consequences, a matter which could impact parent's vigilance and involvement in the therapeutic and preventive programs. It is necessary to target information messages and awareness programs in a comprehensive manner to all populations without an educational-based discrimination.

Knowledge towards Strabismus and Associated Factors among Adults in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

“…is may be due to the messages delivered through radio/TV in a coherent and scientific manner. is was typically consistent with another study in India, Saudi, and Jeddah [21,22,27], in which both radio/TV and the Internet were the reliable sources of knowledge than relatives/friends.…”

“…is may be due to the difference in the study population who were agrarian and rural dwellers, which made them less aware of strabismus. However, this finding was lower than a study conducted in Jeddah (60-79%), India (94.7%), and Saudi (66.7%) [21,22,27]. is is due to the difference in the study setting since these studies were hospital-based.…”

“…is is perhaps the first study in the Amhara region and the second in Ethiopia to estimate the level of knowledge Others * * included farmers and retired people. Occupations * * included those from Jeddah [22] and Ethiopia [9]. Education level * * included those from Nigeria [23].…”

“…Studies conducted in different regions of the world showed that there is a knowledge gap about strabismus. In India, 94.7% of participants had knew the consequence of strabismus [21], in Jeddah, 75% of participants knew etiologies [22], in Nigeria, 50% of participants did not know strabismus [23], and in Ethiopia, only 37.2% knew the cause of strabismus [9]. ere were studies conducted on the prevalence and psychological effects of strabismus.…”

Knowledge and Attitude Toward Strabismus in Western Province, Saudi Arabia

“…The most frequently reported risk factors to develop strabismus are family history and eye refractive errors. However, other works of literature found that hereditary factors and ocular diseases are the most common risk factors for strabismus [18][19].…”