Magnitude of myopia and factors influencing the uptake of myopia control strategies among teenagers in Lurambi constituency, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: The rising prevalence of myopia among teenagers is concerning due to its long-term health risks. While effective myopia control strategies (MCS) are available, the relationship between myopia severity and uptake of these strategies is unclear. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of myopia and factors influencing the uptake of MCS among teenagers in Lurambi Constituency, Kenya.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in all eye clinics within Lurambi Constituency, Kenya, involving 115 teenagers. The study was conducted from April to June 2024. The Eye clinics were selected purposively, and within each clinic, all teenagers were sampled via a census. Data were collected through a selfadministered modified questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics presented as proportions and percentages, and inferential statistics using logistic regression. Ethical approval was sorted using prior to data collection (MMUST/COR: 40312 Vol 6(01).

Results: Among 115 teenagers, the majority (53.0%) were female; most (74.0%) were recruited from public eye clinics; and 44.0% were between 15 and 18 years of age. About 79.1% of teenagers had mild myopia, and overall, 16.5% (n=19) adopted MCS, with atropine eye drops at 31.6% and multifocal contact lenses at 10.5%. Factors influencing MCS uptake include availability (67.8%), suitability (58.3%), cost (73.0%), eye doctor preference (80.0%), and effectiveness (71.3%). An increase in cost reduced the likelihood of MCS adoption by 36.7%.

Conclusion: Most teenagers had mild myopia, and MCS uptake remains low because of limited knowledge. Further research is needed on the factors underlying myopia control in Kenya.