Abstract:AIM: To assess myopia prevalence and associated behavioral factors among primary schoolchildren in southern Morocco.
METHODS: A cross-sectional school-based study of 598 students ages 7-13 y(49.00% girls, 51.00% boys; mean age 10.07±1.81 y). Refractive status was assessed using cycloplegic autorefraction, and myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent(SE)≤-0.50 diopters. Behavioral variables, including after-school screen time, near-work viewing distance, outdoor activity, and family history of myopia, were collected through structured questionnaires. Associations between SE and behavioral variables were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Categorical associations were assessed using the Chi-square test.
RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia was 12.21%. SE was significantly correlated with screen time(r=-0.333, P<0.01), near-work viewing distance(r=0.369, P<0.01), and outdoor activity(r=0.129, P<0.01). Family history of myopia was significantly associated with myopia(χ2=15.32, P<0.001). Prevalence of myopia increased with higher school grade, but there was no significant difference between boys and girls.
CONCLUSION:Modifiable behavioral factors are significantly associated with myopia among schoolchildren. Healthier visual habits(such as increasing outdoor time, establishing appropriate viewing distance, and minimizing prolonged near work)can help prevent the onset of and delay the progression of myopia. The results support the use of public health approaches designed to promote visual hygiene in school settings.
