Abstract:
Background and objective: A child’s vision develops until they are between six and
seven years of age. Early identification and correction of eye-related problems are
essential to prevent future complications. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes
towards children’s eye care among parents of young children (≤5 years) admitted to the
paediatric wards of Teaching Hospital Jaffna.
Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among
parents of young children (≤5 years) admitted to paediatric wards of Teaching Hospital
Jaffna. Systematic sampling was used and data were collected through an interviewer
administered questionnaire. Knowledge was scored (out of 21) and attitudes were
analyzed through a Likert scale. SPSS-26 was used for analysis. Independent t-test, one-
way ANOVA and chi square test were used to determine the factors associated with
knowledge and attitudes (critical level 0.05).
Results: The response rate was 87.5% (400/457). Three-quarters of the sample were
mothers (75.3%) and the majority were educated at least up to A/L (60.5%). Mean age
was 32.3 (SD 6.5) years. Common sources of knowledge on eyecare were social media
(55.8%), newspapers (39.8%) and doctors (36.0%). Mean knowledge score was 14.4 (SD
3.2) out of a total of 21. Age, education level, employment and having a child with an
eye problem were associated with knowledge score (p≤0.05). Younger parents, those
educated beyond A/L, employed parents and those who had a child with an eye problem,
had higher knowledge scores. Over half the sample were not aware that vision should be
assessed at birth (54.3%) and squint could lead to permanent vision loss (56.3%). In
terms of attitudes, two-thirds (67.5%) believed that eye assessment is not needed unless
there are symptoms, while a third (32.3%) saw squint as a cosmetic issue. Attitude was
associated with education where caregivers with higher levels of education were more
likely to have positive attitudes (p≤0.05).
Conclusion and recommendations: There are significant knowledge and attitude gaps
on children’s eye care among parents. Parents with higher education level are more likely
to have better knowledge and positive attitudes. Public health messaging regarding
regular eye assessments via social and other media may help to address gaps in
knowledge and attitude among parents and caregivers.
