Prevalence and Causes of Childhood Blindness in Mesqan District, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: A Study Utilizing Health Extension Workers

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in Mesqan District in Gurage zone,
Ethiopia.

Methods: This community-based cross-sectional survey, conducted in July 2024, included 25 recruited kebeles, with 65,528 children. Health Extension Workers (HEWs) performed house-to-house screenings and reported cases of childhood blindness. After screening, ophthalmic examinations were conducted by the principal investigator to confirm the visual impairment. Data on the demographic characteristics, anatomical sites, and aetiology of the identified cases were collected and analyzed.

Results: Among the 25 kebeles surveyed HEWs reported 36 cases of childhood blindness, of which 35 children were examined. Nine (25.7%) cases were confirmed to have Binocular Blindness / Severe Visual Impairment (BL/SVI). The estimated prevalence of childhood BL/SVI was 0.014% (0.14 per 1000; 95% CI 0.0048%–0.0232%). The lens (44.4%) was the most common anatomical site of blindness, followed by cornea and whole globe (22.2% each). The aetiology of blindness also varies. Of the cases, 44.4% had unknown origins, while postnatal factors accounted for 44.4%.

Conclusion: The study findings indicate a low prevalence of childhood BL/SVI in the Mesqan district. However, lens abnormalities remain the most common cause of childhood blindness.