DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the prevalence of myopia and its associated risk factors among the medical students of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), Larkana.

Methodology

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at SMBBMU, Larkana, using stratified sampling of 250 students. A validated questionnaire with 14 items was used, and data were analyzed using SPSS 23, presented as frequencies and percentages. The study period was from September 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Define Research Objective] --> B[Select Study Design: Cross-sectional Descriptive];
    B --> C[Determine Sample Size: 250 students];
    C --> D[Implement Stratified Sampling];
    D --> E[Develop/Select Validated Questionnaire];
    E --> F[Distribute Questionnaire to Students];
    F --> G[Collect Data];
    G --> H[Analyze Data using SPSS 23];
    H --> I[Interpret Results and Draw Conclusions];                    

Discussion

The study highlights a high prevalence of myopia among medical students in Larkana, Pakistan. This finding is consistent with global trends of increasing myopia, particularly among student populations engaged in extensive near work. The identified risk factors, including increased electronic gadget use, reduced outdoor activity, increased indoor activity, and positive family history, align with existing literature on myopia development and progression. The study also notes variations in prevalence based on year of study and urban/rural residence.

Key Findings

The prevalence of myopia among the medical students was 67.6% (169 out of 250). Females constituted 69.2% of the participants, and males 30.8%. The majority of myopic students (38.6%) had a lens power between -1 to -2D. Final year students showed the highest percentage of myopia (22.48%). Myopia was more prevalent in urban students compared to rural students. Positive associations were found with reading/studying for more than 3 hours and indoor work for less than 5 hours. More than 45.5% of students had screen time exceeding 8 hours, and there was an inverse relationship with outdoor activity, with over 63.2% spending less than 3 hours outdoors.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of myopia was observed among the medical students at SMBBMU, Larkana. Key associated risk factors identified include increased use of electronic gadgets, decreased outdoor activity, increased indoor activity, and a positive family history of myopia.

Fact Check

1. Prevalence of Myopia: The study reports a prevalence of myopia of 67.6% among the 250 participating medical students.
2. Gender Distribution: 69.2% of the participants were female, and 30.8% were male.
3. Screen Time: More than 45.5% of students reported having a screen time of more than 8 hours.

Mind Map