Prevalence, Pattern & Association of Refractive Error with Determinants Among School-Going Children of Peshawar: Original Article

Natasha Junaid; Syed Noor; Muhammad Junaid Sethi; Muhammad Ishtiaq; Sadaf Bilal; Areeba Junaid

doi:10.64911/8h7g3k94

Authors

Natasha Junaid Assistant Professor,Department of Community Medicine, Khyber Medical College Peshawar Author
Syed Noor Registrar, Ophthalmology Department,North West General Hospital, Peshawar Author
Muhammad Junaid Sethi Assistant Professor Department of Ophthalmology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar Author
Muhammad Ishtiaq Professor, Khyber Medical University Peshawar Author
Sadaf Bilal Demonstrator,Department of Community Medicine, Khyber Medical College Peshawar Author
Areeba Junaid Peshawar General Hospital, Hayatabat Peshawar Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64911/8h7g3k94

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of refractive error and its association with selected determinants among school-going children in District Peshawar.

Methodology: This Cross-sectional Study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, MTI Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from January to May 2026. We recruited participants through non-probability convenience sampling. Trained eye-care professionals assessed visual acuity and refractive errors. We analyzed the data using SPSS and evaluated associations with the chi-square test; we considered p<0.05 statistically significant.

Results: Out of 400 patients, refractive errors were identified in 31.75% (127/400) of children, with myopia accounting for 44.88% (57/127) of cases. Among affected children, 44.09% were boys, 66.93% were aged <8 years, and 75.59% had educated parents. Nearly half (49.61%) reported a monthly household income >60,000 PKR, while 66.93% attended public schools. A positive parental history of refractive error was reported in 37.80%, while 57.48% had limited outdoor activity. Computer use, video gaming, and daily television viewing were reported by 29.13%, 42.52%, and 66.93%, respectively.

Conclusions: Refractive error showed moderate prevalence, and myopia revealed higher prevalence. Child gender, parents' literacy, family, and screen time showed associations; therefore, behavioral and school-based interventions were recommended.