Prevalence of Ocular Allergy Among High School Children in Trinidad and Tobago: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims

Ocular allergy (OA) constitutes a significant global public health concern, affecting an estimated 15% to 20% of the world's population, with approximately 40% of cases occurring in children. In Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), the risk of OA is notably heightened due to its geographical location and the recurrent exposure to Sahara dust. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of ocular allergy among secondary school students in T&T.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a school-based setting from October 2022 to May 2023. Schools were selected for inclusion using a randomization process facilitated by an online spinner wheel tool. Data were collected using a modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The questionnaire captured information on demographic characteristics, the presence of ocular allergy symptoms, associated risk factors, and the impact of ocular allergy. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The relationship between variables was assessed using Pearson Chi-square test, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 420 students, aged 11–18 years, participated in the study, comprising 198 males (47.1%) and 222 females (52.9%). The overall prevalence of OA was 49.3% (n = 207), and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) being the most common subtype, accounting for 90.3% of OA cases. The prevalence of OA was highest among 14-year-old age group (23.4%) and more frequent among females (58.8%). Factors significantly associated with OA included difficulty breathing or wheezing, asthma, food, rhinitis, atopic eczema, and exposure to mites (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of ocular allergy (OA) among secondary school students in T&T was relatively higher compared to findings from various studies conducted globally. This underscores the need for implementing effective strategies for early diagnosis and management to mitigate its impact.