Knowledge, attitude, and practice about myopia in school students in Marat city of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of youth myopia has increased significantly in the local communities of Saudi Arabia; school children and parents are unaware of the knowledge and complications of myopia. OBJECTIVE: To initiate and increase the awareness of myopia among school students and to prevent future complications. METHOD: An organized, questionnaire with 14 questions was prepared to analyze the school students’ knowledge attitudes and practice about myopia. The study was conducted in a local school in Marat city, Saudi Arabia, between April 2019 and September 2019. The sample size includes 100 male students of age group 7 years to 14 years. RESULTS: 82% of students have heard about myopia with the majority source of information being parents (62%) and teachers (35%). 45% of the students reported a negative attitude toward the eye-glasses users. 20% of students have reported the use of eye-glasses. Most of the students reported uncomfortable feel and shyness due to wearing of eye-glasses which limits their use. CONCLUSION: The public awareness programs by the local governing bodies, local hospitals, health workers, medical colleges, and non-government organizations should be organized in each local school to increase the school students’ knowledge, positive attitude, and practice toward myopia.