A Comparative Analysis of Myopia Prevalence Among Madarsa Students vs. Non-Madarsa Students in Sukkur

Superior University

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Myopia

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06913972

MSRSW/Batch-Fall23/812

Details and patient eligibility

About

Myopia (nearsightedness) has become a major global health concern, particularly among students, due to factors such as prolonged screen time, close-up work, and limited outdoor activities. In regions like Sukkur, Pakistan, the educational environments and lifestyles of students in Madarsas (religious schools) differ significantly from those in non-Madarsa (regular) schools, potentially influencing the prevalence of myopia. This comparative cross-sectional study aims to assess and compare the prevalence of myopia among Madarsa and non-Madarsa students in Sukkur.

Full description

The study will be conducted at Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital over six months, involving students aged 5-20 years. Informed consent will be obtained from parents or guardians, and a structured questionnaire will collect data on lifestyle factors such as time spent on near work, outdoor activities, family history of refractive errors, and the use of corrective eyewear. Visual acuity and refractive errors will be assessed using standard eye charts, cycloplegic refraction, and measurements of keratometry, biometry, and axial length. The data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means, and standard deviations, with normality tests applied to continuous variables. Chi-square tests and Independent t-tests will be used for comparative analysis, while logistic regression will assess risk factors associated with myopia. The study will help determine the prevalence of myopia and its contributing factors in these student populations, informing potential interventions.

Enrollment: 364 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 5 to 20 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Students aged 5-20 years.[18]
• Students of Sukkur enrolled in either Madarsa or schools.
• Parents or guardians who understand and sign the informed consent form.
• Students who are willing to undergo an eye examination and complete the research

Exclusion criteria

• Students with known systemic diseases or eye conditions (e.g., cataracts, retinal diseases) that could influence the assessment of myopia.
• Students who have had corrective eye surgery (e.g., LASIK) or those who have worn contact lenses or glasses for less than 3 months.
• Students unable to participate due to language barriers or other communincation difficulties
• Students with neurological conditions affecting vision
• Students unable to cooperate with visual acuity testing due to cognitive impairments"