Epidemiology of refractive errors and its associated factors among medical students

Refractive error is the leading cause of correctable visual impairment and preventable blindness worldwide. It is a growing public health concern, particularly among the younger population, including medical students, who represent a vital future workforce for developing countries like Ethiopia. Poor ocular health can negatively impact academic performance, productivity, and overall quality of life, further contributing to the economic burden. Despite the increasing prevalence of REs globally, there is a lack of evidence regarding their prevalence and associated factors among medical students in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with refractive error among medical students. An institutional based cross sectional study design using simple random sampling technique was employed to select 422 undergraduate medical students at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences after proportional allocation done for five batches. The study was conducted from September 2023 to October 2023. The data were collected using semi -structured questionnaires and clinical examination check list adapted from previous studies. The collected data were entered by kobo tool and exported and analyzed with Statistical Packages for the Social Science version 26.Variables with p-value < 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant. A total of 417 participants with a response rate of 98.8% were involved in this study. Prevalence of refractive error was 10.3% (95%CI: 7.2%-13.4%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, lack of outdoor activity [AOR = 2.382(95% CI (1.084-5.234)], no Active rest [AOR = 2.442(95% CI 1.064-5.608)] previous eye operation [AOR = 4.382 (95% CI (1.781-10.784)] and eye trauma (AOR: 7.188; 95%CI: 2.178-23.724)] were significantly associated with refractive error. The study underscores a remarkable prevalence of refractive errors among medical students, consistent with findings from comparable settings and populations. The significant links identified between refractive errors and modifiable lifestyle factors such as reduced outdoor activity, lack of active breaks, prior ocular surgeries, and eye trauma emphasize the influence of demanding academic schedules and limited environmental exposure on visual health. These insights call for proactive screening and the implementation of targeted preventive measures to mitigate refractive error risks. Addressing these factors is critical for preserving the ocular well-being and academic efficacy of medical students.