AWARENESS, PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE OF AMBLYOPIA AMONG PEDIATRICS AND OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINICS ATTENDEES IN KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, JEDDAH

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, awareness, and perception about amblyopia and related disease dimensions among the parents and companions of children attending the pediatrics and ophthalmology clinic. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire including the companions of children who attended the Pediatrics and Ophthalmology clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results: The total number of the participants was 474 with an amblyopia awareness rate of 49.7%. Only 41.0% and 33.9% correctly identified amblyopia definition as being a vision loss in one eye or decreased vision in one or both eye, respectively. Additionally, refractive errors, strabismus, and cataract were appropriately perceived as disease etiologies among 54.5%, 46.1%, and 28.9% of the participants, respectively. Knowledge about treatment options showed that 18.8% of the participants identified patching the strong eye, while using glasses was perceived by 47.6%. Approximately half of the respondents agreed that amblyopia may cause severe complications. knowledge level was significantly increased among females than males (p=0.037), among parents versus other relatives (p=0.009), and among those having a positive family history of amblyopia if compared to their counterparts (p=0.013). Relatives/friends and internet/social media represented the main sources of knowledge for the amblyopia-aware individuals. Conclusion: The present study revealed low awareness levels about amblyopia with inadequate knowledge about disease causes, treatment options, importance of early detection, and treatment compliance. As such, we suggest conducting public health education programs that regularly keep the parents knowledgeable about the disease, its causes and consequence. Cost-effective modalities should be considered for the screening purposes.