Prevalence and risk factors for refractive errors among medical students in Fallujah, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of refractive errors (REs) and the associated risk factors among medical students in the University of Fallujah, Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 508 medical students at the University of Fallujah. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate demographics, family history, and screen time. A trained technician conducted non-cycloplegic autorefraction with the Topcon KR-800 autorefractometer. Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS Version 26.
Results: The overall prevalence of REs was 59.5% (302/508; 95%CI: 55.1%–63.7%). The most common type was Astigmatism at 23.6% (n=120) and myopia at 15.3% (n=78). Among myopic students, 78.2% (n=61) were classified as having mild myopia, while 21.8% (n=17) were classified as having moderate myopia, and no cases of high myopia were recorded. Only 50.3% (152/302) of students with REs reported using corrective spectacles. Thirty-five per cent of participants reported a positive family history of REs, and 90% reported >4 h screen time; both factors were significantly associated with REs (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that a positive family history of refractive errors (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.65–3.64) and screen time >4 hours/day (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.92–5.08) were independent predictors of REs.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of REs among medical students in Iraq shows that a significant number of REs remain uncorrected. This emphasises the importance of health education, visual screening, and screen time management in improving the academic performance and overall well-being of medical students.