Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Rinchen Wangda Phuentsholing Hospital Rinchen Wangda 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Rinchen Wangda Phuentsholing Hospital Rinchen Wangda
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Trends in Spectacle Wear Compliance and Associated Quality of Life impact among school children in Phuentsholing |
| Public title | Understanding Spectacle Wear Compliance and its impact on daily life among school children in Phuentsholing |
| Background | Refractive errors (REs), including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are prevalent visual disorders impacting children globally, with significant implications for daily activities, academic performance, and overall quality of life (QoL). According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), these errors result from improper light focusing on the retina, causing blurred vision. Uncorrected REs are a leading cause of treatable blindness, and spectacles serve as a primary, cost-effective intervention for managing these conditions in children. In Bhutan, the prevalence of visual impairment among school children has been documented, providing insights into the extent and types of refractive issues. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the compliance rates with spectacle wear and its impact on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among these children. While international studies have investigated spectacle wear compliance and its correlation with VRQoL, such research is still in Bhutan. The World Health Organization defines QoL as an individual's perception of their position in life within the context of their culture, values, and expectations. VRQoL specifically addresses how visual impairments affect one's life quality, making it crucial to assess in children, who may be more affected by visual problems in terms of academic and social development. Studies globally indicate varying compliance rates with spectacle wear, often revealing less than optimal adherence, which can significantly affect VRQoL. This study aims to address the gap in understanding by evaluating compliance with spectacle wear among school children in Phuentsholing and assessing its impact on their quality of life. By exploring factors influencing both compliance and VRQoL. |
| Objectives | The main objectives of the proposed study are; 1. To evaluate the trends in compliance with spectacle wear among school children in Phuentsholing who are currently wearing the glasses or have worn the prescription glasses before for their refractive correction. 2. To determine the impact of spectacle wear on the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among these children, focusing on how wearing or not wearing the spectacles affects their daily activities and overall well-being. 3. To identify and analyze factors that affect both compliance with spectacle wear and vision-related quality of life, including socio-demographic characteristics, types, and severity of refractive errors, and parental education. 4. To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving spectacle wear compliance among school children, based on the findings related to trends, quality of life impact and determining factors. |
| Study Methods | This is a cross-sectional observational study involving school children aged 8 to18 years in Phuentsholing who have been prescribed spectacles for refractive errors. Participants will be recruited using a cluster convenience sampling technique, targeting an adjusted sample size of approximately 428 to account for dropout and non-response. Compliance with spectacle wear will be assessed through unannounced school visits and structured interviews to determine whether children are wearing their prescribed glasses. Reasons for non-compliance will be documented during this visit. The Revised Student Refractive Error Eyeglass Questionnaire (SREEQ-R) will be used to assess vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). This validated tool provides insights into how spectacle use affects children's quality of life with the focus on uncorrected and corrected vision perceptions. Clinical examinations will include binocular visual acuity testing using a standardized high contrast Snellen vision chart and cycloplegic refraction to confirm hyperopia. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, refractive error types and severity, and parental education will be collected. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Research Ethics Board of Health (REBH), and data will be securely stored and anonymized to maintain confidentiality. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The study is expected to provide comprehensive understanding on spectacle wear compliance rates among school children in Phuentsholing. By identifying the current compliance levels and exploring factors influencing adherence, the study will highlight barriers and facilitators related to spectacle use. Moreover, the study will assess the impact of spectacle use on VRQoL and reveal the effectiveness of spectacle correction in improving children's daily functioning, academic performance, and overall well-being. The findings will be instrumental in guiding public health strategies and clinical practices. Insights into compliance trends and VRQoL impacts will inform targeted interventions to enhance spectacle adherence, such as educational programs for students and parents, and improved follow up practices. Additionally, identifying specific factors affecting compliance can help tailor strategies to address common issues and improve overall spectacle wear rates. This will ultimately support the development of more effective programs and policies aimed at reducing the burden of uncorrected refractive errors and enhance the quality of life for children |
| Keywords | Refractive errors, Spectacle Compliance, Quality of Life, school children, Phuentsholing |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Aug-2024 |
| End Date | 01-Aug-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Self |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Other (visual health) |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Population-Based Survey | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |