Ophthalmic Disorders among Children with Down Syndrome: An Insight into Parents’ Knowledge, Awareness Level and Attitude
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Research Professionals - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction: Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Ophthalmic disorders affecting children are even more frequent in those with DS and sometimes tend to be more severe. Objectives: This study attempts to probe into parents’ knowledge, awareness and attitude regarding management of ophthalmic disorders among children with Down Syndrome (DS). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the World Down Syndrome Day event on March 21, 2013 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Parents of children with DS who attended the event were requested to participate in the survey that was conducted in the form of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to assess parents' knowledge, awareness level and attitude toward common ophthalmic disorders affecting children with DS. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods were used to analyze the collected data written between Mar 21, 2013 and February 2014. Results: A total of 72 parents participated in the questionnaire-based survey. Among these, 49 (74.2%) reported taking their children for ophthalmology visits, and 27 (37.5%) for routine visits at varying intervals. Among the enumerated eye conditions, the most frequently reported one was up-slanting eyes (52.8%), followed by epicanthal folds (38.9%) and myopia (33.3%). However, up to 62.5% of the parents were not aware about other eye conditions such as nystagmus, brush field spots, and keratoconus. Conclusions: Most parents are not aware of the ophthalmologic disorders affecting children with DS, suggesting a need to embark upon large scale awareness campaigns to educate the parents of children with DS. Parent’s awareness is crucial for early diagnosis and proper follow-up of ocular disorders in children with DS.
Authors and Affiliations
Firas Madani, Nizar Alhibshi, Mehenaz Hanbazazh
Keywords
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- EP ID EP547830
- DOI 10.21276/ijmrp.2017.3.3.037
- Views 69
- Downloads 0
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