The differences in level of trait anxiety among girls and boys aged 13–17 years with myopia and emmetropia

Abstract

BackgroundA significant increase in myopia among children and teenagers can be observed all over the world. Yet at the same time, there is still an insignificant number of studies concerning this health problem.The aim of this study was to assess the level of trait anxiety among myopic group of teenagers in comparison to teenagers with emmetropia, and to confirm whether the level of trait anxiety relates to age and gender.MethodsTwo hundred thirty-nine students aged 13–17 years were included in the study. The study group comprised 114 persons with myopia (81 girls and 33 boys), while the control group comprised 125 persons without refractive error (79 girls and 46 boys). Volunteers completed a set of questionnaires including: personal data, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) (13–14 year-olds), or State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (15–17 year-olds). The trait anxiety subscales were thus analyzed.ResultsAmong younger adolescents (13–14 years of age) with myopia there was a significantly higher incidence of pathological intensification of anxiety as a constant trait. After taking into account the distribution of gender, there was a higher level of trait anxiety in the group of boys with myopia than in the control group aged 13–17 years and 13–14 years. There was also a higher level of trait anxiety detected in males than in females.ConclusionsMyopia may affect the level of trait anxiety among 13–14-year-olds. In both age groups of girls, a higher percentage of patients with high level of anxiety was discovered (≥7 sten), as compared to their peers without vision defects. Our results can contribute to a more accurate analysis of young teenagers’ psychological problems, especially among boys diagnosed with myopia.

Pharmacological Myopia Control Influence on Quality of Life and Psyche among Adolescents

“…The authors also suggested the possibility of worsened bullying against myopes, resulting in greater anxiety and depression disorders. These problems validate the careful analysis of psychological problems in young myopes, especially in boys [21].…”

Recent Epidemiology Study Data of Myopia

“…In summary, myopia not only affects the physical and mental health of individuals but also puts a great burden on society. Myopic adolescents are more likely to be anxious than those without myopia [ 89 ]. Knowing the various factors that affect the occurrence and development of adolescent myopia is conducive to clarifying the mechanism of myopia formation and also to formulating reasonable prevention and control measures of myopia to protect the health of adolescents.…”

Investigation of the psychological health of first‐year high school students with myopia in Guangzhou

“…Although the incidences of both myopia and psychological illness have increased among adolescents in recent years, few studies are available on the relationship between them (Łazarczyk et al, 2016; Seitler, 2009; Ayaki et al, 2016). A review of the existing literature indicates that the current study is the first to our knowledge to examine the associations between adolescent anxiety and myopia and between adolescent depression and myopia.…”

“…Currently, myopia has reached epidemic levels in young adults in some urban areas in China, especially among students in the highest grades in Guangzhou, where the condition has risen to rates of 80%–90% (Xiang et al, 2013). Currently, there is a significantly higher incidence of pathological intensification of anxiety or depression among younger adolescents with myopia than in those without myopia (Łazarczyk et al, 2016). In addition, some researchers believe that vision correction for patients with myopia using contact lenses or refractive surgery could improve anxiety symptoms (Owsley et al, 2007).…”