Knowledge of Causes and Preventive Patterns of Visual Impairments Among Parents and Teachers of Primary School Aged Children in Bende and Umuahia-North LGA, Abia State, Nigeria

• Author(s): Grace A Nwosu ; Evangeline T. Oparaocha ; Winnie U. Dozie ; Gregory N. Iwuoha
• Paper ID: 1707720
• Page: 284-290
• Published Date: 10-04-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 10 April-2025

Abstract

Visual impairment (VI) among school children are is worrisome situation that affects their education, phycological and social life when not properly managed. Improved knowledge of the parents or guardians and the primary school teachers concerning visual impairments in children. Important in achieving successes towards prevention and control of visual impairments among school children. Therefore the objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge of the parents and teachers of school aged children on the causes and prevention techniques of visual impairments in children. The study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional involving primary school pupils in Bende and Umuahia North of Abia State Nigeria. The schools included in the study were randomly selected from the two LGAs. Also, the school pupils were randomly selected and their parents were invited through the help of the school teachers. Included were also the teachers in the selected primary schools who were also selected at random. A random sampling technique was used in selecting the schools and the pupils addition, Descriptive analysis was performed using distribution tables and charts, A total of 700 parents and 24 teachers were included in the study. A questionnaire was administered to the parents and teachers of the pupils to assess their knowledge on likely causes and prevention methods for visual impairments. Chi square test was used to test for significant effects of knowledge. The statistical test shows that knowledge of parents on factors relating to economic, nutrition and environment is significant (X2=85.98; df=3; p<0.001). Also found significant was early preventive knowledge of the parents (X2=463.76; df=4; p<0.001), early reporting of eye abnormalities from the child (X2=468; p<0.001) and hygiene promotion by teachers (X2=9.33; df=3; p<0.025). Knowledge of parents / guidance and also the teachers is an important aspect of prevention for VI in this study but Parents of the pupils and school teachers of primary school aged children do not have good knowledge of the causes of VI among the primary school children studied. Genetic factors, poor hygiene and poor nutrition also contribute to visual impairment. Therefore the study recommended for programs to increase public awareness on causes and prevention of eye problems among parents, guardians and school teachers.

Keywords

Visual Impairment, Parents, Teachers, Knowledge, Cause, Prevention

Citations

IRE Journals:
Grace A Nwosu , Evangeline T. Oparaocha , Winnie U. Dozie , Gregory N. Iwuoha "Knowledge of Causes and Preventive Patterns of Visual Impairments Among Parents and Teachers of Primary School Aged Children in Bende and Umuahia-North LGA, Abia State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 10 2025 Page 284-290

IEEE:
Grace A Nwosu , Evangeline T. Oparaocha , Winnie U. Dozie , Gregory N. Iwuoha "Knowledge of Causes and Preventive Patterns of Visual Impairments Among Parents and Teachers of Primary School Aged Children in Bende and Umuahia-North LGA, Abia State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(10)