Using key informants to estimate prevalence of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in Cross River State, Nigeria

作者：Duke Roseline^*; Otong Eyoawan; Iso Maureen; Okorie Uche; Ekwe Asuquo; Courtright Paul; Lewallen Susan

来源：Journal of AAPOS, 2013, 17(4): 381-384.

DOI：10.1016/j.jaapos.2013.05.004

PURPOSE To assess the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in Cross River State, Nigeria, using the key informant (KI) method. %26lt;br%26gt;METHODS KIs were selected and trained and requested to bring children to identified facilities 2 weeks after training for examination by a specialist team. Visual, acuity and cause of impaired acuity were assessed. Children at a Cross River State school for the blind were also assessed. An estimated prevalence of childhood blindness and severe visual impairment (BL/SVI) in the Cross River State was calculated. %26lt;br%26gt;RESULTS A total of 742 KIs were included. The prevalence of BL/SVI in Cross River State was estimated to be 0.09-0.22 per 1,000 children. The three most common anatomic causes are lens related (35%), whole globe (19.4%), and corneal (15.7%), most of which are avoidable. %26lt;br%26gt;CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of childhood BL/SVI in Cross River State was somewhat lower than expected but similar to other recent reports from Africa. Lens-related causes were the most common. Ms performed well, ensuring that many children in need of eye services were examined.

• 出版日期2013-8