Factors associated with uncorrected refractive errors in school-going adolescents in Kakamega County, Kenya

Background: Uncorrected refractive errors (URE) present an enormous burden on children in Kenya. The study investigated factors associated with URE school-going adolescents Kakamega County, Material and methods: An observational, cross-sectional multistage sampling was conducted randomly selected secondary school students forms one to four. Comprehensive clinical examinations by optometrists were used determine participants’ types dioptric strength. Structured pre-validated questionnaires administered participants elicit information their sociodemographic socioeconomic statuses. Results: A total of 165 students, aged 17.45 ± 1.44 years, classified into myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, participated the study. There more males (57%) than females this study, most had astigmatism (52%). found no-to-weak association between predefined URE. While decreased odds [odds ratio (OR): 0.557, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.211–1.470] for myopia converse true hyperopia (OR: 1.165, CI: 0.385–3.524) compared astigmatism. Even though from families lower affluence living rural settings up 18 times increased 18.699, 0.840–416.442) significant power less likely be those 0.529, 0.165–1.698) 0.011, 0.001–0.192). Conclusions: may not significantly adolescents’ However, are increasingly among settings.