PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CONGENITAL STRABISMUS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT CIVIL HOSPITAL KARACHI

Background: Congenital strabismus is a condition characterized by the misalignment of the visual axis of one or both eyes, resulting in inward, outward, upward, or downward deviation. It affects social functioning, confidence, and interpersonal relationships, particularly in children. Psychosocial impacts of strabismus, such as anxiety, dependency, and bullying, remain underexplored in resource-limited settings. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are critical to improving the quality of life and social integration for affected individuals. Objective: To determine the psychosocial aspects of congenital strabismus in pediatric patients aged 6 months to 13 years at Civil Hospital Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2022, including 300 pediatric patients diagnosed with congenital strabismus through random sampling. The study population comprised 151 males (50.3%) and 149 females (49.7%). Squint assessment was performed using the Hirschberg test, light reflex test, cover test, and uncover test. Pinhole testing was used to exclude ocular pathologies, and all findings were recorded systematically. Data were collected through observational interviews and questionnaires focused on psychosocial parameters such as confidence, anxiety, and dependency. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were rigorously maintained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 300 participants, the highest prevalence of strabismus was observed in children aged 6 to 10 years (45.7%), followed by 11 to 13 years (43.7%). Confidence deterioration was reported "sometimes" in 36.7% of participants and "always" in 22.7%. Bullying by friends and siblings was common, with 32.7% of children feeling bad "always" and 23.0% feeling bad "often." Anxiety was most prevalent in children aged 6 to 10 years, and females exhibited a higher need for extra care and dependency. Difficulty in making new friends was reported "sometimes" by 42.0% of participants. Conclusion: Congenital strabismus significantly impacts children's psychosocial well-being, affecting confidence, social interactions, and emotional health. Females were more likely to experience dependency and challenges in social integration. The findings emphasize the need for early intervention and comprehensive support to mitigate these effects.