Public Awareness And Knowledge Of Factors Associated With Myopia In Kisumu County, Western Kenya

Abstract Background: Myopia is a global public health priority. Many modifiable and non modifiable risk factors have been shown to influence the development of myopia, but these factors are not adequately known by the general public. This study assessed public awareness of the factors that are associated with myopia among the general population in Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 using an Internet-based questionnaire. We collected basic socio demographic characteristics and investigated participants’ knowledge of risk and protective factors that are associated with myopia. The primary outcome measures were the proportions of participants who identified each option as a risk factor. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare levels of the knowledge of factors that are associated with myopia across populations with different demographic characteristics. Results: Data from a total of 3,000 respondents were analyzed. The percentages of participants who accurately identified myopia risk factors were the following: 84.24% for genetics, 65.07% for reading and close up work, 56.68% for environmental conditions, 48.74% for visual stress, and 42.66% for diabetes. The percentages of participants who accurately identified myopia corrections were as follows: 90.00% for corrective lenses, 84.69% for corneal refractive surgery and 80.92% for refractive surgery. The majority of Kisumu residents correctly recognized the role of lifestyle factors in the development of myopia but not genetic factors. Levels of knowledge of the factors that are associated with myopia were significantly distinct across populations with different characteristics. The following socio demographic characteristics were associated with more comprehensive knowledge of myopia risk and corrective measures: women, young age, high education levels, white- collar jobs, and history of myopia in a family. Conclusions: Public awareness and knowledge of risk and corrective measures for myopia in Kisumu is still insufficient. More efforts are needed to publicize information about myopia to reduce risk and prevent myopia