Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis among basic school children in the Kumasi Metropolis (Ghana): a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundThere seems a preponderance of hospital-based studies on the prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis (AC) compared to community-based ones, particularly among children in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Meanwhile, literature supports the possibility of underdiagnosing AC in the hospital setting; exponentially so when males generally have poor hospital-attending behavior. This may lead to underestimation of the true burden of AC. Consequently, the purpose of the current community-based study was to determine the prevalence of AC among basic school children in the Kumasi Metropolis, while identifying its associated symptoms.MethodsA cross-sectional community-based study involving 1571 students from 11 basic schools (Primary and JHS) participated in the study. Data collection started in November 2011 and was completed in March 2014. After history taking, subjects underwent a battery of tests; visual acuity, objective refraction, anterior and posterior segments examination with a slit-lamp and a direct ophthalmoscope respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of AC was 39.9 %. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 8 ± 0.65 years. AC was significantly associated with gender (p < 0.05), but not with age (p > 0.05). A total of 70 % of the students with AC never had any form of treatment.ConclusionsAC is an endemic ocular disease among basic schools in the Kumasi metropolis and therefore calls for pragmatic and proactive measures to reduce its burden and effects on its victims. Public health measures may be required to help reduce the burden associated with this condition.

High incidence of dry eye in young children with allergic conjunctivitis in Southwest China

“…A study in Ghana estimated the prevalence of AC in 5-to 16-year-old school children at close to 40% (Kumah et al 2015). Other studies report an increasing prevalence of allergic conditions among Asian children (Fok & Wong 2009).…”

Knowledge and awareness of ocular allergy among undergraduate students of public universities in Ghana

“…However, other community based studies among school children indicated a higher prevalence of 17.3 and 39.9 % respectively [11, 12]. Not only is it prevalent among children but several other studies have reported relatively higher prevalence than cataract and glaucoma among adults in Ghana [13, 14] yet it has not received the necessary attention accorded these other ocular disorders [15].…”

“…Other studies elsewhere in Hong Kong and France involving pediatric patients report that up to 30 and 32 % of children with allergies respectively had ocular symptoms as the sole manifestation of their allergic disorder [12, 16, 17]. This makes ocular allergy one of the most common ocular diseases encountered in clinical practice, especially among children.…”

“…The chronic forms of allergic diseases involving the eye (the lids, conjunctivae, and corneas) such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) [12, 16] may necessitate co-management with allergists, dermatologists, and pediatricians. This poses a cost burden of specialists’ consultation to sufferers [20].…”

Perspectives on Child Eye Health among Junior High School Teachers in Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality, Ghana

“…This is not surprising as our study subjects are generally more educated than the general population. Most of the signs and symptoms identified in this study are due to the common ocular conditions (among school children) reported in the country: conjunctivitis and refractive error [25][26][27][28]. Results from the study were indicative of the fact that teachers had the right attitude towards child eye health.…”