AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND PERCEPTION OF AMBLYOPIA AMONG PARENTS ATTENDING PEDIATRIC AND OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINICS AT KASCH RIYADH

Objective: To assess the levels of awareness. knowledge and perception of amblyopia in Saudi parents of children attending pediatrics and ophthalmology clinics at King Abdullah Specialist Children Hospital. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study utilizing a convenient sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire assessed parents knowledge of amblyopia. Data was analyzed using SPSS version22-Independent sample t-test or ANOVA were used as applicable. Results: A total of 399 participants (40.9 % male) were included with a mean age ? SD of 34.0 ?8. Almost a third participant (36.3%) were aware of amblyopia and 25.6% were identified the correct amblyopia definition. Additionally, refractive errors and cataract were appropriately perceived as amblyopia etiologies among 28.6% and 10.0% of the participants. Respectively, knowledge about the suitable treatment options also was low. Whereby only a quarter gave correct answers. Knowledge level was significantly higher among females compared to males (p=0.04), and among those being in ophthalmology clinic compared to pediatric clinic (p=0.003). Internet/social media and relatives/friends were the main sources of knowledge for the amblyopia-aware parents. Conclusion: This study revealed that the awareness of the definition and causes of amblyopia was low. Also, knowledge about treatment options was inadequate. However, the perception of early detection was high. Parents need a higher level of awareness about amblyopia and this can be achieved by conducting planned educational programs and awareness campaigns. This in addition to the physicians role in educating parents about the guidelines of children vision screening