EFFICIENCY OF HEALTH EDUCATION COMMUNICATION IN REDUCING THE INCIDENCE AND PROGRESS OF MYOPIA AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HOANG MAI, NGHE AN (2019 – 2020)

Abstract

A controlled intervention study combined with a longitudinal follow-up by eye health promotion was conducted in four secondary schools of Hoang Mai, Nghe An, namely Quynh Thien, Quynh Lap, Quynh Phuong, and Quynh Xuan. After one year of intervention, results showed that the percentage of students with correct knowledge on myopia prevention increased by 44% - 99%, 5% - 35% more than that before the intervention (this percentage before intervention was 9% - 94.5%), and 13% - 92% (p<0.05) higher than the control group. The percentage of students with right behavior on myopia prevention increased by 46% - 86%, 15% - 21% more than that before the intervention (this percentage before intervention was 31% - 65%), and 31%-66% (p<0.05) higher than the control group. The cumulative incidence of myopia in the intervention group was 3.0%, while this rate in the control group was 7.3%, p = 0.047. With regard to myopia progression, the average standard error (SE) of myopia in the control group after intervention was -3.36 ± 1.68 (D), and in the intervention group was -3.27 ± 1.98 (D). The mean SE change of myopia in the control group was - 0.67 ± 0.27 (D)/year, and in the intervention group was - 0.41 ± 0.24 (D)/year. The difference of mean SE of myopia between the two groups after 1 year was 0.26 D (95% CI, 0.18 – 0.33), p<0.001. Near vision and near vision time were two related factors of myopia in the students. Therefore it is necessary to ensure a viewing distance of > 30 cm, a break of 5 minutes every 30 minutes, and an increase of outdoor time at least 2 hours per day.