Refractive Error and Visual Impairment in Iban vs. Malay Students
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Comparison of Refractive Error and Visual Impairment between Native Iban and Malay in a Formal Government School Vision Loss Prevention Programme
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Abu Bakar Nurul Farhana, Chen Ai-Hong, Noor Abdul Rahim Md, Goh Pik-Pin
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Comparison of Refractive Error and Visual Impairment between Native Iban and Malay in a Formal Government School Vision Loss Prevention Programme
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The epidemiological study of vision problems is vital for formulating national strategies aimed at preventing visual impairments. However, a notable gap exists in the data concerning vision issues among schoolchildren in East Malaysia. This research aims to compare refractive errors and degrees of visual impairment between Native Iban and Malay schoolchildren who participated in a government vision loss prevention program in the Betong Division of Malaysia. The study involved 293 schoolchildren who underwent refractive assessments after failing initial vision screenings, thus contributing to a better understanding of vision health disparities in this region.
Prevalence of Myopia
The findings revealed an overall prevalence of refractive error at 47.7% and visual impairment at 3.5% within the sampled population, with myopia accounting for approximately 97.1% of the reported cases. Notably, Malay children exhibited a higher degree of myopia compared to Native Iban children (U = 8240.50, P < 0.05). Furthermore, it was observed that myopia occurrence was significantly associated with education level—children beyond Standard 1 had a higher likelihood of myopia. Interestingly, Native Iban female students were found to be particularly susceptible to myopia compared to their male counterparts. The study also highlighted a concerning finding that a staggering 94.1% of children with refractive errors had either incorrect prescriptions or uncorrected refractive errors, emphasizing the necessity for effective eye care intervention.
Conclusion
The research underscores the need for enhanced government interventions to improve eye health services in rural areas, especially in the context of the high percentage of untreated refractive errors among children. Despite the Native Iban population having a lower level of myopia than the Malay population, both groups demonstrated significant rates of refractive errors that escalated with educational advancement. This indicates that current school vision screenings may be insufficient, particularly for rural children who have limited access to eye care. Regular vision screenings should be conducted throughout the schooling period, and initiatives for better education on ocular health must be prioritized to address the pressing visual impairment challenges faced by these communities.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main focus of the study conducted in East Malaysia?
The study aimed to compare refractive errors and visual impairment between Native Iban and Malay school children in Betong Division, focusing on those involved in a government vision loss prevention programme.
What were the main findings regarding refractive error prevalence?
The overall prevalence of refractive error was 47.7%, with 97.1% classified as myopia. Malay children were found to be more myopic compared to Native Iban children, although the overall proportions of myopia were similar between ethnic groups.
How does education level impact myopia in children?
The study revealed that children in education levels higher than Standard 1 were more likely to have myopia, indicating a need for regular vision screenings beyond the current government programme.
What percentage of children had uncorrected refractive errors?
Approximately 94.1% of children with refractive errors had either incorrect prescriptions or uncorrected refractive errors, highlighting the necessity for improved eye care services and interventions in rural areas.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Refractive Error and Visual Impairment in Iban vs. Malay Students”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' in the context of this document refers to the systematic investigation of refractive errors and visual impairment among Native Iban and Malay school children. It emphasizes the importance of research in understanding health issues and developing strategies for preventing visual impairment in populations where data is lacking.
2) Education:
Education plays a crucial role in the prevalence of refractive errors, as demonstrated by the study findings. Higher education levels correlated with an increased likelihood of myopia. This highlights the necessity of implementing regular vision screenings within the educational system to detect and treat vision problems early.
3) Table:
The word 'table' refers to the various data presentations included in the study, such as demographic information, distribution of refractive errors, and visual impairment statistics. Tables are critical for organizing study results, making them easier to analyze and comprehend for both researchers and readers.
4) Indian:
The term 'Indian' includes an ethnic group relevant to the study of refractive errors in Malaysia. Previous research indicated varying prevalence rates of myopia across ethnicities, including Indian, Malay, and indigenous populations, thus establishing a context for comparing the Native Iban and Malay findings in this study.
5) Blindness:
Blindness is a significant concern within the discussed study, as it represents a severe outcome of unaddressed refractive errors. Understanding the causes and prevalence of blindness among children informs health policies and intervention programs aimed at preventing visual impairment and enhancing children's quality of life.
6) Male:
The term 'male' highlights the gender aspect considered in the study. The analysis investigated whether refractive errors and visual impairment prevalence varied by gender, with findings suggesting differences in myopia occurrence between male and female Native Iban children, thereby underlining the importance of gender in vision health research.
7) Disease:
The word 'disease' relates to health conditions potentially resulting from untreated refractive errors. The study's focus on vision health emphasizes the need for awareness of preventable diseases such as visual impairment, driving policies for early detection and treatment initiatives in vulnerable populations.
8) Cina:
China is mentioned as part of the comparison of refractive error studies across different populations. The findings from studies in China regarding myopia prevalence may provide insight into factors contributing to vision health challenges, influencing understanding of similar conditions in Malaysian populations within the study.
9) Reason:
The term 'reason' is pertinent in the context of identifying causes for visual impairment and myopia. The study aims to determine associations between various factors—such as ethnicity, gender, and education level—to better understand the underlying reasons for the observed prevalence of refractive errors.
10) New Delhi:
New Delhi symbolizes a geographic reference point where relevant studies on children's refractive errors have been conducted. This comparison between urban locations like New Delhi and rural areas in Malaysia helps understand the impact of geographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors on the prevalence of myopia.
11) Developing:
The term 'developing' is significant in illustrating the socioeconomic status of certain populations, specifically in reference to healthcare and educational resources. Addressing vision problems in developing regions necessitates tailored interventions, as indicated by the study's focus on improving eye health services and prevention strategies.
12) Epidemic:
In this context, 'epidemic' refers to the rising prevalence of myopia among school-aged children, akin to a public health crisis. Understanding the factors contributing to this epidemic is crucial in developing effective programs aimed at preventing further increases in refractive errors and related visual impairments.
13) Activity:
The term 'activity' is associated with the behavioral aspects linked to myopia development, particularly the balance between near work and outdoor activities. The study aligns with research suggesting that lifestyle choices encompass significant risk factors influencing the prevalence of myopia among children.
14) Relative:
The use of 'relative' signifies the comparative nature of the study between different ethnic groups. The findings underscore how variations in myopia prevalence are relative to factors such as ethnicity, education level, and gender, informing targeted intervention efforts in diverse populations.
15) Nature:
The word 'nature' refers to innate characteristics influencing refractive errors, acknowledging genetic and environmental components. Understanding the nature of myopia aids in crafting effective prevention strategies by clarifying risk factors intrinsic to specific populations involved in the study.
16) Bharu:
Bharu represents the geographic location of Kota Bharu, a city in Malaysia where relevant studies have been conducted. The city serves as part of the broader context for evaluating refractive errors among populations in urban vs rural environments, thereby influencing policies for eye health in those regions.
17) Gupta:
The term 'Gupta' relates to a cited author within the references of the study. Collaborative research, such as Gupta's work, contributes to understanding refractive errors globally, thus providing critical support for the current study's findings and justifying more focused intervention efforts in underserved areas.
18) Delhi:
The term 'Delhi' is significant as it denotes a major urban center referenced in previous studies of refractive errors. The comparison between urban and rural populations aids in understanding the inflating prevalence rates of myopia and the need for localized health initiatives.
19) Sanga (Samga, Shanga, Shamga):
Sanga is another author referenced in the context of research literature. The inclusion of Sanga's findings on refractive errors supports the premise of examining socioeconomic and environmental factors affecting vision health in children, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based interventions.
20) Birth:
The term 'birth' holds relevance by establishing ethnicity through birth certificates of study subjects, ensuring accurate representation of the populations involved. Identifying children by ethnicity is crucial to understanding differences in refractive error prevalence and informing targeted preventative strategies.
21) Mutti:
The mention of Mutti refers to a researcher whose work contributes to the broader body of knowledge on refractive errors. Citing Mutti's findings helps contextualize the current study's importance in addressing myopia within diverse populations globally and methodologically informs analysis.
22) Kota:
Kota is part of the name Kota Bharu, providing a specific geographic descriptor pertinent to the study. Understanding the local context of Kota Bharu is essential for evaluating the impact of environment and community resources on children's vision health in the study area.
23) Jaya:
Jaya represents another geographic location tied to earlier studies on refractive errors in Malaysia. Its reference contributes to comparative assessments between urban and rural areas within the study, offering insights into how living conditions impact the prevalence of myopia.
24) Satu:
Satu, which means 'one' in Malay, could represent a reference in educational or demographic categorization related to the study. Understanding the importance of education levels, such as Standard 1, aids in evaluating how educational attainment correlates with refractive error prevalence among children.
25) Aman (A-man):
Aman is a term associated with peace or safety in Malay, symbolizing the larger societal context of health and well-being. By addressing visual impairment and refractive errors, the study advocates for a safe and healthy environment for children to learn and thrive.