Abstract:
Introduction: During the early years of life, children get most of their
information by relying on their visual observation. Knowledge of visual skill
development and environmental risk factors influencing it provides useful
guide for early identification of children who may develop some form of visual
impairment. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the visual developmental
pattern and determine the environmental risk factors associated with delay in
the visual skill area of under‑five children. Subjects and Methods: This was a
cross‑sectional study of 415 preschoolers aged 6–59 months. Visual function
and visual comprehension were assessed using the Schedule of Growing Skills
II tool (GL Assessment Ltd., London). Delay in the visual skill was defined
as a developmental quotient in visual skill area below threshold point of 85%.
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis
with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) (95% CI).
Alpha value was set at P < 0.05. Results: Mean age of the children studied was
32.6 ± 15.9 months. The prevalence of delay in visual skill area was 17.1%.
The odds of delay in visual skill were higher among children of first birth order
(AOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.05–3.30), those who lived in large households (AOR
2.34; 95% CI 1.32–3.14), children whose mothers had secondary level education
and below (AOR 2.21; 95% CI 1.31–3.83), and those whose fathers earned
≤$100 per month (AOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.01–3.03). Conclusion: Identification and
management of environmental factors negatively affecting visual skill development
will help improve on the visual skill area and invariably child development.
