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OCULAR MORBIDITY IN ALMAJIRI CHILDREN IN SHIKA, GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE

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Supervisor: Prof. V. Pam and Prof E.R Abah
Faculty: OPHTHALMOLOGY
Month: 5
Year: 2021

Abstract

Background: Almajiri children are vulnerable children who are neglected and susceptible to various health conditions. Ocular morbidities can occur in childhood and early adult life and if undetected may cause visual impairment. This study sought to identify the spectrum of ocular disorders as observed in Almajiri children in Shika, Zaria. Aim: To determine the spectrum of ocular disorders among Almajiri children in Shika Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Almajiri children were recruited from 10 Qur’anic schools in Shika, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State with tumbling E Snellen’s chart for the visual acuity. Anterior and posterior segment examinations were done using a pen torch, a portable slit lamp and hand held direct ophthalmoscope. Colour vision was assessed using the Isihara chart for colour vision. Results: A total of 200 Almajiri children were examined with an age range of 5-18years and mean age of 12 years. Sixty-six Almajiri children had ocular morbidity with a prevalence rate of 33%. Allergic conjunctivitis was the most common ocular disorder seen in 35 (17.5%) children, followed by suspicious discs for glaucoma in 19 (9.5%) children. Seventy–eight (39.0%) Almajiri children were underweight. Eye complaints were common (48%) among Almajiri children and was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.021. The prevalence of ocular morbidities was 33.0%. There was statistical significance between allergic conjuctivitis and abnormal body mass index with p-value of 0.034.

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