Knowledge, attitude and practice toward myopia among parents of primary school students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward myopia among parents of primary school students. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of primary school students by a self-administered questionnaire between October 2022 and November 2022. Results A total of 552 participants were collected, and the mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 8.38 ± 2.29, 25.01 ± 2.79, and 26.37 ± 3.96, respectively. Having a junior college or bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or above, monthly household income per person of 10,000–20,000 yuan, being nearsighted, having a nearsighted child, and having two children were independently associated with knowledge scores. Knowledge scores, being female, monthly household income per person of 10,000–20,000 yuan and over 20,000 yuan, being nearsighted, and being 33–44 years old were independently associated with attitude scores. Attitude scores and having a child in the fourth grade were independently associated with practice scores. Conclusions Parents of primary school students had inadequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice regarding myopia. Health education programs targeting parents with lower education and income levels are needed to improve their knowledge and promote a positive attitude toward myopia.