Parental eye care-seeking behavior and knowledge of common eye diseases

Abstract Background: Eye diseases in children are a significant concern worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions such as refractive errors, cataracts, amblyopia, and glaucoma are crucial to prevent blindness and other complications. Parental awareness and care-seeking behavior play a vital role in ensuring children’s eye health. This study investigates the knowledge and behavior of parents regarding common pediatric eye diseases and their eye care-seeking practices. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024 at Al Noor Eye Hospital and Makkah Eye Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 523 parents whose children (aged ≤17 years) were receiving treatment for eye diseases were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire, validated and adapted for the local context, assessed sociodemographic data, parental knowledge of eye diseases, and their eye care-seeking behavior. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and cross-tabulations were used to analyze the data. Results: The study revealed that 66.3% of children had never undergone an eye examination. Among the parents, 59.1% had visited a pediatric ophthalmologist, and 77.1% believed vision screening before preschool is necessary. However, a significant proportion lacked awareness of common eye diseases such as amblyopia (93.7%) and glaucoma (75%). Cataract awareness was relatively high (61%), but only 12.04% had proper knowledge about refractive errors. Sociodemographic factors, including occupation, significantly influenced parents’ awareness levels, with housewives demonstrating the least awareness of eye diseases ( P < 0.05). The study also found correlations between sociodemographic factors and eye care behaviors. Higher education levels ( P < 0.05) were linked to better behaviors like taking children for eye exams, while household income ( P < 0.05) affected the likelihood of visiting pediatric ophthalmologists and avoiding self-medication. Knowledge of eye conditions ( P < 0.05) was significantly associated with age and education but not gender, occupation, or household income. Conclusion: The study highlights a critical gap in parental knowledge and behavior regarding pediatric eye health in Bangladesh. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about common eye diseases and promote regular eye screenings for children, especially in low-resource settings. Improving parental literacy and access to eye care services could help prevent avoidable blindness and improve the overall quality of life for children with visual impairments.