Myopia progression and associated factors of refractive status in children and adolescents in Tibet and Chongqing during the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.993728
• Publication Date: 2022-10-13T08:24:11Z
• Authors: Wujiao Wang; Yongguo Xiang; Lu Zhu; Shijie Zheng; Yan Ji; Bingjing Lv; Liang Xiong; Zhouyu Li; Shenglan Yi; Hongyun Huang; Li Zhang; Fangli Liu; Tong Zhang; Wenjuan Wan; Ke Hu
• Keywords: Pandemic; Cross-sectional study

Objectives To investigate myopia progression and associated factors of refractive status among children adolescents in Tibet Chongqing China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to compare rates high myopia, axial length (AL), spherical equivalent (SE), outdoor activity time, digital device use, frequency visual examinations for affected by 2021. Results total 2,303 students from 1,687 were examined. The overall prevalence these two groups 53.80 7.04% vs. 43.86 1.30%, respectively each case. had a longer AL than group (23.95 23.40 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). mean SE with myopic parents lower that (−2.57 ± 2.38 diopters (D) −2.30 2.34 D, respectively) ( Conversely, urban areas (−2.26 2.25 D −1.75 1.96 exhibited (−2.44 2.22 D) their Tibetan counterparts (mean SE: −1.78 1.65 = 0.0001) when spending more 2.5 h outdoors. For example, 61.35% spent outdoors daily, compared 43.04% Chongqing. Correspondingly, proportion using devices (64.43%) (100%). latter, 38.62% online 10.49% Tibet. Greater monitoring observed −1.90 1.98 −2.68 1.85 0.0448), optimal being every 6 months. Outdoor time identified as common risk factor both populations examined, odds ratios (ORs) 1.84 (95% CI: 1.79–1.90) 0.84 0.73–0.96) Digital screen Chongqing, ORs 1.15 1.08–1.22) 1.06 0.94–1.77), respectively. also found be (OR: 1.21, 95% 0.77–1.61). type used 1.33, 1.06–1.68 OR: 1.49, 0.84–2.58, respectively). Finally, examination correlate 1.79, 0.66–2.71). Conclusion Based on our data, we errors significantly These results are potentially due prolonged use characterize It is recommended would benefit increased awareness regarding its prevention.