Vision screening of school-aged children in Wuqia County: a cross-sectional study in western China

TL;DR

A study in western China found that over 20% of school-aged children had reduced vision, with higher rates in girls, older students, and urban areas.

Contribution

This study provides the first detailed vision screening data for school-aged children in Wuqia County, identifying key demographic risk factors for reduced visual acuity.

Findings

21.52% of school-aged children in Wuqia County had reduced visual acuity.

Reduced VA was more prevalent in females, higher grade levels, and urban schools.

Higher grade level, female gender, and urban location were independent risk factors for reduced VA.

Abstract

To investigate the prevalence of reduced visual acuity (VA) among school-aged children in Wuqia County, western China.

In this cross-sectional study, 9,094 primary and junior middle school students in Wuqia County underwent vision screening in November 2024. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was measured using a LogMAR tumbling E chart, with reduced VA was defined as UCVA < 20/30 in either eye. We also analyzed associations between reduced VA and factors such as gender, grade level, and residential area (urban vs. rural).

The overall prevalence of reduced VA among school-aged children in Wuqia County was 21.52% (1,957/9,094). The prevalence of reduced VA was significantly higher in female children (26.62%, 1,151/4,324) than in males (16.90%, 806/4,770) (P < 0.01). The occurrence of reduced VA increased significantly with higher grade levels (P < 0.01), from 8.10% in grade 1–31.03% in grade 9. Furthermore, from grade 3 onwards, the prevalence of reduced VA was consistently higher in females compared to males (P < 0.05). Additionally, the prevalence of reduced VA was significantly higher in urban primary schools (21.33%, 635/2,977) than in rural primary schools (15.32%, 564/3,682) (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis identified higher grade level, female gender, and urban school location as independent factors associated with an increased risk of reduced VA (all P < 0.001).

This study revealed a significant burden of reduced VA among school-aged children in Wuqia County. The findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions and public health policies aimed at improving eye care services in the high-altitude regions of western China.

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