Parental influences on contact lens uptake among school-aged individuals with myopia in Kenya.

Abstract

Significance: With the global rise in myopia among school-aged children, effective management strategies, such as contact lenses (CLs), are essential. In Kenya, where myopia prevalence is increasing, understanding parental influence on CL uptake is critical because of parents' key role in healthcare decisions involving their children. This study addresses this significant gap by exploring the parental factors that either promote or hinder CL uptake among school-aged children in Kenya.

Purpose: This study investigated the parental factors influencing CL uptake among school-aged children with myopia in selected Kenyan eye clinics. This study specifically examined the factors that promote or hinder parents' choice of CLs as a myopia correction method for their children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 85 parents or caregivers of children and teenagers aged 8 to 18 years with significant myopia, defined as a spherical equivalent refraction value of ≤-0.50 D in one or both eyes. Data were gathered using a pre-validated questionnaire distributed at selected eye clinics. The questionnaire assessed parental knowledge, attitudes, and the factors affecting CL uptake. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the key variables, and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the influence of parental factors on CL uptake.

Results: The study found that 35% of parents approved CL use for their children, with academic performance (odds ratio [OR], 106; p = 0.01) and discomfort with spectacles (OR, 41; p = 0.02) being significant positive influencers. The major barriers identified were concerns about the child being too young (OR, 62; p = 0.03) and not careful enough (OR, 84; p = 0.02) to handle CLs. Other barriers include the perceived high cost of CLs and a lack of professional advice.

Conclusions: Parental CL uptake decisions are significantly influenced by perceived academic benefits and concerns regarding the child's ability to manage CLs. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and professional guidance to address parental concerns, improve CL uptake, and enhance myopia management in school-aged Kenyan children.