Myopia Prevention in Singapore: A Health Beliefs and Protection Behaviour Approach

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: This exploratory study aimed to bridge the gap between health psychology and clinical studies, to examine the eye health beliefs of children and their parents, and to explore relationships between eye health beliefs and myopia protection motivation behaviours. It examined parental knowledge of and attitudes towards myopia risk factors, perceived severity of myopia, and screening and treatment for myopia, and the basic knowledge and attitudes of primary school children towards myopia. Methods: Design: Self–administered Questionnaire This was formulated after 2 focus group discussions pertinent to the study topic. The sampling frame included all 152 co–education primary schools in Singapore and 3 schools were randomly selected, with all children aged 10–11 years invited to join the study. Only Chinese children were selected in this analysis, with a participation rate of 493/782 = 63%. Lensometry was performed for children who wore spectacles. Questionnaires(myopic) were given to myopic children whose spherical equivalent (lensmeter readings) was at least –0.5D in either eye. All other children were given the questionnaire for non–myopic children. The data from the questionnaire survey was analyzed using the statistical software SPSS and AMOS. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between myopic and non–myopic children with regards to protective behaviour,with 50.6% of respondents being male and 49.4% female. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found between parents of myopic and non–myopic children in questions pertaining to myopia threat severity, coping ability/capability and behavioural intentions, although there were no significant differences where current protective behaviour and knowledge about myopia were concerned. There were no significant differences in comparing the primary caregiver, level of parents' education, or monthly household income. Conclusions: This study will help healthcare providers better understand health beliefs towards myopia, aid in the formulation of effective themes for communication and intervention efforts, as well as contribute to academic literature on myopia protection.

Keywords: myopia