Visual acuity, amplitude of accommodation and near  point of convergence and academic achievement in  primary school learners in Bloemfontein

Introduction: Learning problems influencing the social and psychological development of children may result from poor visual acuity (VA), insufficient amplitude of accommodation and receded near point of convergence (NPC). This study assessed Grade 4 and 5 academic achievement (< 50%, 51-69% and ≥ 70%) in relation to visual acuity, amplitude of accommodation and NPC. The study attempts to determine the association between these visual functions and academic performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study included a randomised sample of learners (n = 199) selected from five public schools in Bloemfontein. Information was obtained on each participant regarding history, visual acuity (distance and near), amplitude of accommodation and NPC (subjective and objective). Participant aggregates for the most recent school term and the grade average were compared to measures of these visual functions.Results: The children’s median age was 10.3 years (with range 8.7 to 12.7 years) and 53.8% were female. More than 50% of children were Sesotho-speaking. Complaints revealed by his-tory-taking were mostly headaches (57.8%) and eyestrain (58.3%). Regarding academic achievement, 18.6% of the learners were below average, 53.8% on average and 27.6% above average. Of the learners tested, 42.2% achieved a VA of 6/6 or better on both distance and near visual acuity. Amplitude of accommodation was less than the minimum requirements in 17.6% of participants. Approximately 30% of those below grade average did not meet the minimum requirements for amplitude of accommodation, compared to 13% of learners above grade average, which was statistically significant. More than 70% had a receded break point (> 5 cm) for NPC and 85.7% had a receded recovery point (> 7 cm).Conclusion: Of the three visual functions evaluated in this study, the only visual function associated with academic achievement was amplitude of accommodation. It would thus be recommended that learners are screened for optimal visual function earlier in life if especially the amplitude of accommodation is receded.

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Study on visual function comparison between ametropes and emmetropes after visual correction

Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology ◽

10.18231/j.ijceo.2021.085 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 428-432

Author(s):

L K Lali ◽

R Abirama Sundari ◽

R Shankar

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Contrast Sensitivity ◽

Refractive Error ◽

Axial Length ◽

Reading Speed ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Visual Functions ◽

Significant Difference

Studies had also shown that 86% of children with refractive error living in rural area are without correction as many are unaware of their problem. Refractive error by itself plays a significant role on one’s quality of life and literature had also proven it. To study the visual functions in ametropes with 6/6 BCVA and compare it with emmetropes.: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of one year. All the 200 subjects were tested for refractive error using auto refractor, distance and near visual acuity was assessed with the ETDRS chart, contrast sensitivity was assessed using LEA symbol chart, color vision was assessed using FM 15 online test and field vision was tested using Bjerrum tangent screen, stereopsis was examined using TNO cards, morphometric measurements was done by measuring the axial length using A scan and the K reading was obtained using auto keratometer and finally the functional assessment was analysed using the reading and writing speed. A total of 200 subjects with 100 ametropes and 100 emmetropes were included in our study. Colour vision, near point accommodation, near point convergence, axial length were significantly altered in ametropes. Contrast sensitivity, steropsis and reading speed were significantly reduced in ametropes compared to emmetropes. There was no significant difference in visual functions between different types refractive error subjects like myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. The present study proves that visual acuity alone is not an indicator for assessing the quality of vision instead the complete visual functions has to be screened on all patients reporting with refractive error.

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The Impact of Clinical Atropine Use in Taiwanese Schoolchildren: Changes in Physiological Characteristics and Visual Functions

Children ◽

10.3390/children8111054 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1054

Author(s):

Hui-Ying Kuo ◽

Ching-Hsiu Ke ◽

Shyan-Tarng Chen ◽

Han-Yin Sun

Keyword(s):

Visual Function ◽

Pupil Size ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physiological Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Visual Functions ◽

Significant Difference ◽

History Of ◽

Atropine Treatment ◽

The Impact

Taiwan is commonly noted for its high prevalence of myopia, as well as a long history of more than 20 years of using atropine to control myopia. However, the clinical implications are rarely discussed. This is a cross-sectional study investigating the influence of topical atropine instillation on ocular physiology, visual function, and visual discomfort in children. Aged 7 to 12 years, 212 schoolchildren were recruited and divided into the atropine group and the non-atropine group. Physiological characteristics such as pupil size and intraocular pressure were measured, and a variety of visual functions was also evaluated. A questionnaire was used to investigate the side effects and visual complaints caused by atropine treatment. There was a significant difference in pupil size (OD: 5.40 ± 0.90 vs. 6.60 ± 1.01 mm; OS: 5.42 ± 0.87 vs. 6.64 ± 1.00 mm, p < 0.001) between the two groups. Reductions in near visual acuity, accommodation, convergence ability, and stereopsis were observed in the atropine group. The horizontal pupil diameter enlarged, and visual functions were greatly affected after administration of topical atropine. The changes in visual function during atropine therapy need to be carefully monitored by clinicians, while patient compliance is usually the key to success.

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No Benefit of a Pediatric Screening in Discovering Reduced Visual Acuity in Children: Experiences from a Cross-Sectional Study in Germany

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17103419 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. 3419 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Heike M. Elflein ◽

Roman Pokora ◽

Denis F. Müller ◽

Klaus Jahn ◽

Katharina A. Ponto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Visual Function ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

School Enrollment ◽

Health Examination ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Screening Examination ◽

School Year ◽

Pediatric Screening ◽

The Relationship

Background: The newly introduced German pediatric screening examination at the end of the third year of life (U7a) incorporates visual function testing in particular; there is no ophthalmic screening during childhood in Germany. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between participation in U7a and visual function at the preschool health examination (PHE) in the sixth year of life. Methods: This study evaluated PHE data from school enrollment years 2009/2010 to 2014/2015 of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Visual acuity (VA) at PHE was assessed with Rodenstock visual acuity test device (tumbling E) wearing glasses if present. The relationship between participation in U7a and VA <0.7 at PHE was calculated for reduced monocular and binocular VA using multiple logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Data from 189,704 children (91,041 girls) in 35 out of 36 districts were included. The first children to participate in U7a were enrolled in 2011/2012 school year. In total, 90,339 children (47.6%) had U7a before PHE, while 99,365 (52.4%) had not. VA <0.7 in at least one eye was measured at PHE in 8429 (4.4%) children, and in both eyes in 4345 (2.3%) children. Participation in U7a was not associated with VA <0.7 at PHE (odds ratio 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.94–1.04). Conclusions: The proportion of children with VA <0.7 at PHE was high. No beneficial effect of newly introduced German U7a pediatric screening examination was found for reduced VA at PHE.

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Choroidal changes and associations with visual acuity in diabetic patients

International Journal of Retina and Vitreous ◽

10.1186/s40942-021-00355-z ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

João Heitor Marques ◽

Ana Marta ◽

Catarina Castro ◽

Pedro Manuel Baptista ◽

Diana José ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Visual Function ◽

Staging System ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Retinal Layer ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Imaging Protocol ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background The variable visual function observed in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients is not fully explained by the classic staging system. Our purpose was to evaluate choroidal changes, in standardized sectors, in DR patients and to find associations between choroidal measurements and visual function. Methods Cross-sectional study that included the right eye of diabetic patients (n = 265) without active edema, ischemia or neovascularization and age-matched controls (n = 73). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed with enhanced depth imaging protocol. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was calculated in a 5 mm scan centered in the fovea. Results CVI decreased with age (p < 0.001) but was not influenced by axial length. A multivariate analysis adjusting for age confirmed a significant difference in CVI between DR eyes that had previous treatments (intravitreal injections and/or photocoagulation) compared to control eyes (p = 0.013) and to DR eyes that never required treatment (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between non-DR diabetic patients and normal controls. Considering the group of DR patients that had previous treatments, in eyes without optic media opacification, BCVA correlated with CVI (r = − 0.362, p < 0.001), whereas full retina thickness and individual retinal layer thickness did not (p > 0.066). Conclusions A reduction in CVI was observed in patients with a more advanced stage of DR. In treated DR patients with stable disease, choroidal biomarkers correlated with best-corrected visual acuity whereas retinal biomarkers did not. Trial registration: N/A

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Assessment of knowledge about oral cancer: study with students of public education

RSBO ◽

10.21726/rsbo.v12i1.172 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 41 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elisabete Rabaldo Bottan ◽

Iara Fiorentin Comunello ◽

Constanza Marín ◽

Eduardo Mazzetti Subtil

Keyword(s):

Public Schools ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Target Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Primary Data ◽

First Year ◽

Research Subjects ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Level Of Knowledge

Introduction and Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge about oral cancer of students attending public school in one city of Santa Catarina (Brasil). Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, using primary data collection. Students of last year of elementary school and first year of high school, enrolled in public schools in the city of Itajaí (SC), in 2012, were the target population. The non-probability sample was obtained by convenience. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire structured with 13 questions divided into three fields. The level of knowledge was made based on pre-established scores. Results: 1149 instruments were analyzed (80.8% of the target population). The average age of the group was 15.5 years and 54.5% were female. The majority (78%) never had received information about oral cancer. Only 27.9% had cognizance about self-examination of the oral cavity. With regard to knowledge, 87.5% classified as unsatisfactory. For most issues the cognitive field did not identify a significant correlation between knowledge and the variables gender and education. When asked if they would like to participate in educational and preventive activitiesabout oral cancer and other issues related to health, 72.6% expressed interest. Conclusion: The group did not have adequate knowledge on the subject of oral cancer. Facing this reality, and the positive attitude of respondents, the researchers designed and offered an educational program to the research subjects.

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Perceived Experiences of Community Violence Among Adolescents: A School Survey From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/08862605211005132 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088626052110051

Author(s):

Claudia L. de Moraes ◽

Érika B. dos Santos ◽

Michael E. Reichenheim ◽

Stella R. Taquette ◽

Luciane Stochero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Schools ◽

Community Violence ◽

Rio De Janeiro ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Interpersonal Aggression ◽

Adolescent Students ◽

Management Actions

Community violence (CV) is a global public health problem due to its high frequency and severe consequences. Although CV is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, little is known about the everyday CV situations that do not lead to death. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of exposure to and involvement in CV situations among adolescent students from public and private schools in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study of 693 individuals in their second year of high school selected through stratified multistage random sampling. Information about their exposure to and involvement in CV was collected through a self-completed multidimensional questionnaire in the classrooms. For approximately 30% of the adolescents, someone close to them had been murdered, and 40% had already seen the corpse of a victim of homicide. Seventeen percent reported having been directly involved in CV situations. Approximately 38%, 13%, and 25% had been victims of robberies, interpersonal aggression, and death threats to either themselves or their relatives, respectively. Many of these situations occurred more than once. In general, CV was more frequently reported by boys and by those who did not live with both parents. Adolescents from higher economic classes experienced more interpersonal aggression and felt a greater need to carry a gun. Those who belonged to the lower economic classes and studied in public schools were more exposed to lethal violence than other students. The results call attention to the very high percentage of adolescent students that are involved in CV situations as well as to the differences in violence rates among population subgroups. Such findings should be considered when planning CV prevention and management actions in schools and other socialization spaces for adolescents.

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Visual Acuity’s Association With Levels of Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.20.1.1 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mark W. Swanson ◽

Eric Bodner ◽

Patricia Sawyer ◽

Richard M. Allman

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Visual Acuity ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

University Of Alabama ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The University

Little is known about the effect of reduced vision on physical activity in older adults. This study evaluates the association of visual acuity level, self-reported vision, and ocular disease conditions with leisure-time physical activity and calculated caloric expenditure. A cross-sectional study of 911 subjects 65 yr and older from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging (SOA) cohort was conducted evaluating the association of vision-related variables to weekly kilocalorie expenditure calculated from the 17-item Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate possible associations while controlling for potential confounders. In multivariate analyses, each lower step in visual acuity below 20/50 was significantly associated with reduced odds of having a higher level of physical activity, OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67, 0.97. Reduced visual acuity appears to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity among community-dwelling adults.

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Associations between taste sensitivity, preference for sweet and salty flavours, and nutritional status of adolescents from public schools

Revista de Nutrição ◽

10.1590/1678-98652017000300009 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 369-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marize Melo dos SANTOS ◽

Camila Santos MARREIROS ◽

Herika Brenda Santana da SILVA ◽

Ana Raquel Soares de OLIVEIRA ◽

Kyria Jayanne Clímaco CRUZ

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Public Schools ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Food Choices ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Taste Sensitivity ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sweet Foods ◽

Low Sensitivity

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the associations between taste sensitivity, preference for sweet and salty flavours, and nutritional status of adolescents in public schools. Methods We used a cross-sectional study involving 1,036 adolescents of both sexes, aged 10-19 years. Preference for sweet or salty flavours and preference for foods high in sugar or sodium were evaluated. Measurements of body mass index and taste flavour intensity recognition were conducted. Results Most participants were unable to identify the flavours and/or intensities, and only 18.0% of participants were able to correctly identify both the flavour and intensity of the samples. Most participants (82.1%) preferring sweet foods had low sensitivity to this taste, just as a large proportion of individuals preferring saltiness (82.3%) were less sensitive to salt (p<0.001). Preference for saltiness was associated with pre-obesity. Conclusion We found an association between a preference for sweet or salty flavours and nutritional status, highlighting the importance of poor food choices in the development of obesity and other chronic diseases.

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Impact of dental caries on quality of life of adolescents according to access to oral health services: a cross sectional study

Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences ◽

10.20396/bjos.v15i1.8647090 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Angela Xavier ◽

Érica Silva de Carvalho ◽

Roosevelt da Silva Bastos ◽

Magali de Lourdes Caldana ◽

Patrícia Ribeiro Mattar Damiance ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Public Schools ◽

Oral Health ◽

Dental Caries ◽

Health Services ◽

Dental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Oral Health Services

Aim: This study presents the prevalence of dental caries and its relation to the quality of life of adolescents according to the access to dental health services. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-six adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age participated in the study; they were all enrolled in public schools in a countryside municipality of the São Paulo State. Data related to dental caries were evaluated by the DMFT Index, and OHIP-14 was used for evaluating the quality of life. Mann Whitney and Spearmann correlation tests were also used (p<0.05). Results: A DMFT of 3.09 (±3.30) was found with a higher prevalence among the adolescents who used public dental services (3.43±3.34) compared with those who used private services (2.94±3.28). A statistically significant relationship between the decay component of DMFT with physical pain (0.020), physical disability (0.002) and quality of life (0.017) was verified. Conclusions: A low prevalence of dental caries was observed, and it was higher in adolescents who used public oral health services rather than private ones, evidencing the low influence of oral health on the quality of life of the participants.

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Relations of Food Pattern and Physical Activity with Academic Achievement and Cognitive Function

Green Medical Journal ◽

10.33096/gmj.v2i2.50 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 56-65

Author(s):

Ayu Wulandari ◽

Zulhaida Lubis ◽

Evawani Aritonang

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Academic Achievement ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Level ◽

P Value ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Pattern ◽

Food Patterns

Introduction: The results of the initial survey showed that there were seven children with low food pattern and moderate physical activity was having a cognitive function and low academic achievement at school, and three children with good food pattern and moderate physical activity were having good cognitive and high academic achievement in school. This study was to determine the relations of food patterns and physical activity with academic achievement and cognitive function. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at Elementary School 2 Blangkeujeren, West Labuhanhaji Sub-district, South Aceh District from March 2017 to June 2017. This study used a total sampling design is 81 students. Subjects are all students in grade five (42 students) and six (39 students). Data were collected by using questionnaires include Food Frequency Questionary (FFQ), Food Recall 24 hours, Physical Activity Level (PAL). Last year's report card value and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive children. Results: The relationship between the type and the amount of macro and micronutrient intake obtained p-value<0.05. This study also showed a relationship between food patterns and cognitive function in children. Based on the research results, there is a relationship between physical activity and academic achievement (p<0.05). There is a relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in children. Conclusion: There is a relationship between food patterns, physical activity, academic achievement, and cognitive function.

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