Date of Award

January 2018

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Medical Doctor (MD)

Department

Medicine

First Advisor

Christopher C. Teng

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to understand how Chinese parents view myopia, including causes, progression, and treatment. We performed a cross-sectional study from July 2016 to August 2016 at Peking University 3rd Hospital in Beijing, China. Parents of myopic children completed a questionnaire including sociodemographics and Likert-style questions assessing perspectives on myopia. We employed logistic regression models to analyze relationships between responses and demographic data/degree of myopia. 109 parents completed the survey. Of these, 97 responses were included in the analysis. Almost all parents surveyed (97.9%) found their child’s myopia concerning and believe myopia is dangerous to their child’s vision. Lifestyle modifications rather than medical treatments were thought to be most effective for preventing and slowing progression of myopia. 93 (95.9%) parents reported restricting electronic screen use and 64 (61.0%) reported restricting studying/reading. All respondents were willing to use at least one treatment listed on the survey to treat their child’s myopia. Of the 97 children, only 27 were currently using any of the treatment methods. Parents were more likely to agree to a greater number of treatments if the child was a boy (OR=2.33, p<0.05). Parental age/sex/education level did not affect number of methods chosen.

Almost all Chinese parents in this study found their children’s myopia concerning and hoped to prevent myopia progression. However, only 27 of the 97 children were currently using methods in attempt to slow progression. Having a male child increased willingness to use treatment methods. An understanding of parental perspectives on myopia may help guide future research and patient care.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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