Date Log
The Prevalence of Vernal Keratconjuctivits and Risk Factors in School Pupils in Jos East L.G.A of Plateau State, Northcentral Nigeria.
Corresponding Author(s) : Panshak Elisha Tenmang
Journal of Health Sciences and Practice,
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2022): Journal of Health Sciences and Practice (JHSP)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a unique disorder among a spectrum of allergic eye diseases. It is a chronic, bilateral, inflammatory condition most commonly involving the upper tarsal conjunctiva. It commonly affects children within the ages of 5- 16 and it is frequently observed in tropical regions where it affect both sexes. Most studies on this topic are hospital based and do not address risk factors associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Thus, the objectives of this study is to determine the prevalence of VKC among school pupils in Jos East LGA, Central Nigeria, based on gender and age group and also to identify the possible risk factors in VKC within the study environment.
Methods: This was a school-based cross-sectional descriptive study where a total of 400 participants were drawn for the study from 25 different schools within the study area. A self-developed semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection in the study. The frequency count, simple percentage and chi square were used in analyzing the data collected for the study.
Results: Findings from the study showed that the prevalence of VKC among school pupils was 84 (21.0%), 59 (25.8%) of them were males with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. The prevalence of VKC was significantly higher amongst male students. Risk factors related to VKC revealed that cooking facility at home is associated with the occurrence of VKC. Other factors include individuals with siblings having VKC, previous history of allergy/atopy, family history of systemic allergy and contact with animals.
Conclusion: Vernalkeratoconjunctivitis was seen to be a common condition amongst primary school pupils identifying the risk factors will help with reducing rate of occurrence and absenteeism from school.
Recommendation: In view of the findings, it is recommended that there is need to reactivate school eye health programme by the state ministry of health and education in collaboration with the plateau eye care team.