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bioRxiv · 10.1101/532655

Epidemiology of Childhood Blindness: a Community based study in Bangladesh

Hussain, A. E.·Ferdoush, J.·Mashreky, S. R.·Rahman, A. F.·Ferdausi, N.·Dalal, K.
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Abstract

This study has aimed to detect the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in rural area of Bangladesh. A cross sectional quantitative study design was adopted for this study which carried-out in three unions (sub-districts) of Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. Using a validated tool a screening program was conducted at household level. After initial screening a team of ophthalmologists confirmed the diagnosis by clinical examinations. The prevalence of childhood blindness found was 6.3 per 10,000 children. The rate of uni-ocular blindness was 4.8 per 10,000 children. Congenital problems were the major cause of both uniocular and binocular blindness (UOB: 84% and BB: 92% &). For binocular blindness, whole globe was the responsible site (28.0%, CI: 13.1, 47.7) and cornea was for the uni-ocular blindness (57.8%, CI: 35.3, 78.1). Childhood blindness is a public health problem in Bangladesh. Childhood blindness is common irrespective of gender. Major causes of childhood blindness are congenital.

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Hussain, A. E., Ferdoush, J., Mashreky, S. R., Rahman, A. F., Ferdausi, N., Dalal, K.. 2019-01-28. Epidemiology of Childhood Blindness: a Community based study in Bangladesh. https://doi.org/10.1101/532655

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