TITLE:
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Myopia among University Students in Mogadishu, Somalia
AUTHORS:
Dahir Adan Ali, Said Abdirahman Adan, Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Gafow, Ahmed Abdirahman Ibrahim, Abu Sheriff, Jie Dai
KEYWORDS:
Prevalence, Associated Factors of Myopia
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.15 No.2,
April
16,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study investigates the prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) and its associated factors among university students in Mogadishu, Somalia. Data was collected from 384 students through structured questionnaires. The results showed a high prevalence of myopia (93.23%), with a slightly higher rate in females (95.05%) compared to males (91.58%). Key contributing factors include age, urban living, genetic predisposition, behavior, and screen usage. Students with a family history of myopia had a 100% prevalence rate, while those without had a significantly lower rate (34.78%). Behavioral factors, such as posture during reading and writing, screen time, and outdoor activities, were also linked to higher myopia rates. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including awareness campaigns, preventive measures, and regular eye health checks, to address the rising myopia burden among students.