Risk Factors for Refractive Errors in Primary School Children (6-12 Years Old) in Nakhon Pathom Province
Penpimol Yingyong MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Mettapracharak Eye Center, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Background : Refractive error is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in children. An analysis of risk factors for
refractive error is required to reduce and prevent this common eye disease.
Objective : To identify the risk factors associated with refractive errors in primary school children (6-12 year old) in
Nakhon Pathom province.
Material and Method: A population-based cross-sectional analytic study was conducted between October 2008 and September
2009 in Nakhon Pathom. Refractive error, parental refractive status, and hours per week of near activities (studying, reading
books, watching television, playing with video games, or working on the computer) were assessed in 377 children who
participated in this study.
Results : The most common type of refractive error in primary school children was myopia. Myopic children were more
likely to have parents with myopia. Children with myopia spend more time at near activities. The multivariate odds ratio
(95% confidence interval) for two myopic parents was 6.37 (2.26-17.78) and for each diopter-hour per week of near work
was 1.019 (1.005-1.033). Multivariate logistic regression models show no confounding effects between parental myopia and
near work suggesting that each factor has an independent association with myopia.
Conclusion : Statistical analysis by logistic regression revealed that family history of refractive error and hours of near-work
were significantly associated with refractive error in primary school children.
Keywords : Risk factors, Refractive Errors, Primary School Children, Nakhon Pathom
