Prevalência da baixa acuidade visual em escolares do primeiro e segundo ano do ensino fundamental

Abstract

Objective: To describe and analyze the prevalence of low visual acuity and related factors in students from public schools in Soledade-RS. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from October to December 2023. Participants were selected by convenience and non-probabilistic sampling in the 14 public schools in the urban area of Soledade-RS, as all parents/guardians of eligible children (enrolled in the first and second year of elementary school) were invited to participate in the research. Data from children whose parents/guardians returned the signed Informed Consent Form, who were present at school on the day of testing, and who signed the Assent Form were analyzed. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using the Snellen chart, and low VA was considered when less than 0.7 (20/30). Visual acuity results were statistically analyzed regarding sociodemographic, epidemiological, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of the children, obtained through questionnaires sent to parents/guardians along with the Informed Consent Forms. Results: Out of a total of 349 children, 11,7% (41) had reduced VA. Among these, 8,3% (29) were females (p=0,017). Additionally, 8,6% (30) had never used prior correction (p <0,001), 8,6% (30) did not have regular follow-up (p<0.001), and 6,3% (22) had never consulted an ophthalmologist (p<0,001). Conclusion: There was a significant prevalence of students with low visual acuity, similar to the scientific literature. The prevalence of the outcome was higher in females and in students without regular follow-up of ocular health.