Refractive errors and its associated factors of secondary school students in Tu Ky district, Hai Duong province, in 2022

Abstract

A cross - sectional study was conducted at two secondary schools in Tu Ky district, Hai Duong in 2022 to describe the current status of students’ refractive errors and some associated factors. Results showed that the overall rate of refractive errors among students in two schools was 35%. The rate of refractive errors in females was 40.9% higher than in males (30,1%). The incidence of refractive errors tends to increase gradually by grade: 6th grade was 32.1%; 7th was 34%, 8th was 35.9% and 9th was 37.9%. Some associated factors include extra class, self-study hours > 2 hours/day, students reading books and magazines, using computers, playing video games, and student postures in those activities. Strengthening health education at schools widely propagates the risk of refractive errors, and prevention would be necessary; schools also need to arrange annual eye exams for students.